Northern Territory Police have charged four people following proactive traffic apprehensions in the Palmerston area, resulting in the seizure of illicit drugs, prohibited firearms and ammunition.
Territory Road Policing officers conducted a traffic apprehension at a service station in Bakewell, stopping a vehicle and identifying the driver was unlicensed.
A search of the vehicle located cannabis, drug paraphernalia, a prohibited pistol and a magazine containing 9mm ammunition.
A 33-year-old man was also arrested and charged with:
- Possess or use prohibited firearm
- Possess ammunition without a licence
- Fail to comply with firearm storage requirements
- Breach of bail
A 24-year-old woman was arrested and charged with:
- Possess Schedule 2 dangerous drug (less than traffickable quantity)
- Possess thing to administer a dangerous drug
- Drive while unlicensed
- Breach of bail
- Give false or misleading information
During follow-up enquiries relating to that investigation, Territory Road Policing officers identified another vehicle linked to an address of interest.
When the driver saw police, he allegedly performed a U-turn and attempted to flee the area. Police had already established a cordon and, with assistance from the Dog Operations Unit, safely apprehended the vehicle.
Police searched the vehicle, locating approximately 190 grams of cannabis, evidence consistent with the supply of dangerous drugs, a prohibited .22 calibre pistol and ammunition.
A 19-year-old man was arrested and charged with:
- Possess or use prohibited firearm
- Possess Schedule 2 dangerous drug (traffickable quantity)
- Supply Schedule 2 dangerous drug (less than commercial quantity)
- Drive while never licensed
- Possess ammunition without a licence
- Fail to comply with firearm storage requirements
- Breach of a Community Corrections Order
A 23-year-old woman was also arrested and charged with:
- Possess Schedule 2 dangerous drug (traffickable quantity)
- Supply Schedule 2 dangerous drug (less than commercial quantity)
All four offenders were remanded in custody.
Superintendent Rick Magree from Territory Road Policing Division said these arrests are the result of proactive policing and targeted enforcement aimed at disrupting criminal activity before it causes harm.
“The seizure of prohibited firearms alongside traffickable quantities of drugs is a serious concern, and police will continue to target those who choose to carry weapons or profit from the supply of illicit drugs in our community.
“Anyone with information about the supply of illicit drugs or illegal firearms is urged to contact police on 131 444. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
