Six people have been arrested and a large quantity of Kava and grog seized following a search of a motor vehicle near Maningrida on Friday.

The Nissan Patrol was apprehended on the Maningrida Road near the Ramingini turnoff just after 9am. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of 70 kilograms of Kava, a small quantity of Cannabis and seven four-litre casks of moselle, two 1125ml bottle of Jim beam, one 1125ml bottle and two 700ml bottles of Bundaberg rum and two two-litre casks of port.

The six occupants - five men and one woman - were arrested and taken to Maningrida where they were later interviewed and charged.

The 52-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man were charged with possessing and bringing liquor into a prescribed area. Two men aged 55 and 49 were charged with possess and supplying Kava without a licence and a number of liquor offences.

The male driver aged 27 was charged with possessing and bringing liquor into a prescribed area, possession of cannabis, medium range drink driving and driving whilst disqualified. The alleged offenders were all bailed to appear in the Maningrida Magistrates Court on September 29.

The sixth occupant of the vehicle, a 24-year-old man, was issued with a drug infringement notice for possession of a small quantity of Cannabis and released without further charge.

Police believe the Kava and liquor were destined for sale in remote communities.

Superintendent Helen Braam said the arrests and seizures should send a clear message to those trying to trade in illicit substances in remote communities.

"This is just the latest in a series of arrests and seizures of illicit substances by police patrols in remote areas," Supt Braam said.

"We will continue to proactively target these offenders who trade in the misery of others by trying to bring in grog or drugs to prescribed areas.

"Police are also grateful to those in the communities who are prepared to stand up and be counted by supplying information to us about when and where illicit substances are being delivered."

Media contact:
Theresa Kuilboer
8922 3531