A 50-year-old Tongan national has been arrested in Australia after Northern Territory Police allegedly discovered 125 kilograms of kava, more than $100,000 in cash and a Toyota Hilux near the remote Aboriginal community of Ramingining.
Australian police said officers located the man at an outstation about 13 kilometres from the Northern Territory community after receiving anonymous information.
During the operation, officers allegedly found 125kg of kava packaged in individual deal bags, $100,981.30 in cash and the vehicle.
The man, whom police allege was unlawfully remaining in Australia, was 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 and was due to appear before Ramingining Local Court on Friday, August 28.
Remote Sergeant Noel Santiago described the seizure as 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,” Santiago said.
“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.”
Santiago warned people trafficking prohibited substances into remote communities that their distance from major population centres would not place them beyond the reach of police.
“If you’re bringing prohibited substances into our communities for profit, don’t assume that being remote means you’re out of reach,” he said.
“The majority of our communities don’t want you here and will report you.”
Northern Territory Police announced the arrest and seizure in a media statement issued on Friday.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
