Northern Territory Police have arrested 2 men in relation to the trafficking of an illicit substance into a remote community. 

On Tuesday 9 July, Dog Operations Unit (DOU) attended Darwin Airport and apprehended a male believed to be involved in the trafficking of large quantities of kava whilst utilising and travelling under a false identity.

Investigations later confirmed that the male was travelling using false identification and that he was unlawfully in Australia.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) were alerted and attended to arrest the male, who is likely to be charged with Commonwealth offences. He is expected to be detained under the Migration Act and deported by the Australian Border Force.

As a result of the arrest and further investigation by DOU, a second male was apprehended in a remote indigenous community in possession of 100kg of kava and $37,000 in cash.

The male has been charged with Possess and supply Kava commercial quantity & Receive property commission of offence.

Acting Senior Sergeant Riva Zio said “This outcome is the result of the exceptional joint effort between Australian Federal Police and NT Police. 

“The distribution of illicit substances has a detrimental impact on not only the health of our community members, but also preys on people financially.

“We will relentlessly disrupt the flow of illicit substance and prosecute offenders."