Media release

Charges – Drug Offences - Gapuwiyak

Police

Northern Territory Police have charged two women in relation to drug offences in an East Arnhem Region community last week.

On 24 July 2024, members from the Dog Operations Unit executed a search warrant on a residence in Gapuwiyak where Drug Detection Dog Diesel assisted with locating and seizing a small quantity of Cannabis, drug paraphernalia and a small quantity of cash.

The 51-year-old female was arrested and has since been charged with:

•             Possess Traffickable Quantity of Schedule 2 Dangerous Drug

•             Supply Dangerous Drug– Less than Commercial Quantity

She was bailed to appear in court at a later date.

In a separate incident on the same day, members from the Dog Operations Unit and Gapuwiyak Police conducted a search, under the Kava Management Act, at a residence in Gapuwiyak, where Drug Detection Dog Chomp located a traffickable quantity of Kava. A 67-year-old female was issued a Notice to Appear for Possess Kava – Traffickable Quantity.

Senior Sergeant Meacham King said “The supply of dangerous drugs into any remote community is a known catalyst for a range of issues causing harm to residents. NT Police will continue to target suppliers into remote and regional areas at airports, barge arrivals, road blocks and search warrants. The Dog Operations Unit will continue to work with other police units and community stakeholders to target these individuals and criminal organisations. 

“Anyone with information on the supply of illicit substances into our communities can call police on 131 444. You can also make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via their website online.”