Members of the Drug Enforcement Section have dismantled an organised crime syndicate by arresting three New South Wales men and seizing a substantial amount of amphetamine as a result of Operation Earl.

The operation was conducted over an eight week period and resulted in the seizure of 907.8 grams of high purity methylamphetamine with a the potential street value of over $900 000.

It is alleged that a 34-year-old Sydney man concealed the drugs in a fire extinguisher and travelled to Darwin by truck over the Easter long weekend. After arriving in Darwin the man met the two other men who had travelled to the NT earlier last week at a residence in Cullen Bay. It is alleged the men were attempting to on supply the drugs to other persons in the Darwin area.

A 33 and two 34-year-old men appeared in Darwin Magistrates Court today in relation to the following offences. All three were remanded in custody to appear at a later date.
Possess dangerous drug - commercial quantity
Supply dangerous drug - commercial quantity

In addition, two Darwin men will be summonsed in relation to being accessories to the incident and another New South Wales man will be charged for being in possession of .4 grams of methamphetamine.

Detective Superintendent Peter Bravos says "The successful resolution of this operation has seen a very significant seizure of drugs that had a potential street value of approximately $900 000.00".

"The use of Methylamphetamine is strongly linked to significant harm to people including psychological problems such as aggression, agitation and other symptoms of psychosis.
"The Northern Territory Police is committed to keeping our community safe and will continue to disrupt organised crime groups from transporting and distributing illicit drugs into our community".

I urge any member of the community who has information relating to the distribution of drugs to contact police on 131444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000."


Media Contact:
Rickie Scoot
8922 3185