Northern Territory Police have seized more than 2,200 individual bags of kava with an estimated street value of $110,000 following a targeted operation in Ramingining.
Police received information alleging a man was selling kava from a residence in the community.
Acting on that information, members executed a search warrant under the Kava Management Act.
During the search, police located a man inside a bedroom, along with two individual deal bags of kava and a large sum of cash. Officers also seized a logbook containing names and monetary figures, as well as a set of keys to a white Ford Ranger parked at the property.
A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered a further three large bags of kava.
In total, police seized:
- 2,207 individual bags of kava, with an estimated street value of approximately $110,000
- $10,670 in cash
- A logbook allegedly recording sales
- A mobile phone
- A white Ford Ranger
- A 10-pack of alcoholic beverages
The man was arrested at the scene and has since been refused bail. He is due to appear in Darwin Local Court today.
Acting Superintendent Daniel Bell form the Northern Division said the seizure was a significant disruption to the illegal supply of kava.
"This was an outstanding result by our local members, who acted quickly on information from the community."
"More than 2,200 individual deal bags have now been prevented from reaching the community, along with the seizure of cash and other items that will assist our investigation."
"We rely on information from the public to identify this type of offending, and this result shows exactly what can be achieved when the community works with police."
Investigations remain ongoing. Anyone with information about the illegal sale or supply of kava is urged to contact police on 131 444. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
