Two men will appear in Katherine Magistrates Court today following a kava seizure south of Mataranka over the weekend.

Detective Senior Sergeant Clint Sims said members from the Northern Substance Abuse Intelligence Desk apprehended a Toyota Camry 50km south of Mataranka on Saturday 19 October.

“Police located and seized 50kg of Kava divided into hundreds of sealed plastic cryovac packages.

“Two men aged 46 and 53 were charged with possession and supply a commercial quantity of Kava.

The Kava was destined for Ramingining and Police estimate it could have fetched $50,000 if sold in the remote community.

“The devastating health effects kava has on the people within our remote communities is well documented, and it is disappointing to see these offenders are profiteering from the sale of kava,” Detective Senior Sergeant Clint Sims said.

“We urge anyone with information on the sale of kava in remote areas to call Police on 131 444 or 1800 333 000.”