Australian Police have arrested five adults and seized 121kg of kava in the East Arnhem Region of the Northern Territory.
Police on Wednesday received intelligence of a large quantity of kava expected to be transported to Ramingining and Gapuwiyak.
Dog Operations Unit coordinated a response, creating a cordoned area to intercept the alleged offenders along the Stuart Highway.
They subsequently evaded police and returned in the direction of Katherine.
Additional resources were then deployed from Katherine including, the Dog Operations Unit with Patrol Dog Boss and Drug Dog Rambo and their handlers, Specialist Response Division, Territory Safety Division, and the National Substance Abuse Intelligence Desk.
Two vehicles were apprehended on the Stuart Highway and officers conducted a lawful search, locating several bottles of spirits, 250g of cannabis and 121kg of kava.
Two females and three males, aged between 47 and 59, have been charged with possess commercial quantity kav, supply commercial quantity kava and supply dangerous drug, schedule 2 to indigenous community.
Senior Sergeant Meacham King says this operation demonstrates the ongoing commitment of the Dog Operations Unit in disrupting the flow of destructive substances into vulnerable communities.
He says they will continue to target individuals who facilitate the illegal supply of regulated substances.
While acknowledging officers involved in the swift action and apprehensions. King says this was an excellent collaboration between all their divisions.
Kava is strictly regulated in the Northern Territory due to its potential for misuse in indigenous communities.
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