Northern Territory Police have seized 125 kilograms of kava, more than $100,000 cash and a Toyota Hilux following an arrest near Ramingining.
Ramingining Police located a 50-year-old man at an outstation approximately 13 kilometres from the community after receiving anonymous information.
Officers attended the outstation and allegedly located 125 kilograms of kava packaged into individual deal bags, $100,981.30 in cash and a Toyota Hilux.
The 50-year-old Tongan national, who is allegedly unlawfully remaining in Australia, was arrested and charged with possessing and supplying a commercial quantity of kava, dealing in proceeds of crime exceeding $100,000 and entering Aboriginal land without a permit.
He was remanded in custody to appear before Ramingining Local Court today.
Remote Sergeant Noel Santiago said the seizure was an outstanding result for local police and the community.
‘The illegal supply of kava causes harm in our remote communities and there is significant money to be made by people willing to exploit that demand. That’s money that the community could have been using to buy essential goods and services.
“This seizure has taken a substantial amount of kava out of circulation, along with more than $100,000 in alleged proceeds of crime and a vehicle.
“If you’re bringing prohibited substances into our communities for profit, don’t assume that being remote means you’re out of reach. The majority of our communities don’t want you here and will report you”
