Northern Territory Police Drug Detection Dogs Rafa and Swift were on the drug-bust trail, helping police seize half a kilogram of cocaine during a traffic stop.

The vehicle, a white Hyundai Tucson, was travelling northbound on the Stuart Highway near Katherine after returning from Queensland when police conducted a random traffic stop.

Rafa and Swift indicated the presence of drugs beneath the front passenger seat, leading police to locate the cocaine.

Two men, aged 23 and 33, were arrested and later charged with possessing and supplying a commercial quantity of a dangerous drug.

A further search of one of the men’s residences resulted in the seizure of an additional 125 grams of cocaine and items consistent with drug supply.

Police also seized his Mercedes-Benz, valued at approximately $100,000, as evidence.

Further intelligence led police to seek assistance from Queensland Police. A search warrant executed at the second man’s property resulted in four additional arrests and the seizure of 112 grams of cocaine, 56 grams of ketamine, 28 grams of fentanyl, cash and mobile phones.

Senior Sergeant Meacham King said the traffic stop was a great outcome for the Dog Operations Unit in Katherine.

“The intelligence gathered led to further arrests and drug seizures, helping take dangerous drugs off our streets,” he said.