Detectives from the NT Police Drug and Organised Crime Division have arrested 3 people following a police operation to uncover illicit substances.
Operation Kapok was formed in late 2023, with the purpose to target primary offenders engaged with criminal activity in the supply of methamphetamine throughout Darwin, Palmerston and the rural area.
On the evening of 26 March 2024, detectives from Operation Kapok executed a search warrant at a residential premises in Yarrawonga. Upon the search, police located and seized 155 grams of methamphetamine and a small quantity of cannabis.
Just after 2:30am on Wednesday 3 April, 2 offenders were located at a licensed premises in Palmerston, where they were subsequently arrested by detectives. At the time of the arrest, the offenders were in joint possession of 5 mobile phone, over $7,000 cash and a small range of illicit substances.
Following the arrests, a search warrant was executed on 2 separate residential premises in Bees Creek and Moulden.
Detectives located and seized a large quantity of cash, 2 prohibited firearms, unsecured ammunition and a traffickable quantity of methamphetamine from a property in Bees Creek. While the property in Moulden saw the seizure of a prohibited weapon and a traffickable quantity of methamphetamine.
A second search warrant was executed at the premises in Yarrawonga, where detectives located and seized a traffickable quantity of cannabis, prohibited weapons, a firearm and unsecured ammunition.
A 34-year-old male has been charged with multiple drug offences as well as:
- Possess prohibited firearm x 2
- Fail to meet storage requirements x 2
- Possess ammunition without a licence/permit
A 33-year-old female has been charged with multiple drug offences and possess, use or carry prohibited weapon.
Just after 9:30am on Wednesday 3 April, police intercepted a road train in Acacia being driven by the occupant of the Yarrawonga premises. The male was arrested without incident and police seized a small quantity of cash and a range of illicit substances. He was subjected to a drug saliva test, returning a positive result.
The 61-year-old male has been charged multiple drug offences, as well as:
- Drive with prohibited drug in body
- Fail to meet storage requirements
- Possess ammunition without a licence/permit
All parties involved are known to each other.
Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Timothy Gardiner said, "The Northern Territory Police will continue to pursue those involved in the illicit drug trade.
"The illegal distribution of drugs not only undermines public safety, but also inflicts harm upon the wider community, fuelling addiction and violence."
Anyone with information on the supply of alcohol or drugs to our communities can call police on 131 444 or make an anonymously report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/
