Northern Territory Police have arrested five people and seized over 120 kilograms of kava in a major operation targeting illegal drug transport in the East Arnhem Region.
On Wednesday 16 April 2025, intelligence indicated a large kava shipment was en route to the communities of Ramingining and Gapuwiyak.
Senior Sergeant Meacham King praised the coordinated effort, stating,
“This operation demonstrates the ongoing commitment of the DOU in disrupting the flow of destructive substances into vulnerable communities.”
Acting on the tip-off, the Dog Operations Unit (DOU) set up a cordon along the Stuart Highway to intercept the suspected traffickers. However, the suspects initially evaded capture and turned back towards Katherine.
Police quickly ramped up their response, deploying additional units from Katherine, including Patrol Dog Boss, Drug Dog Rambo and their handlers, along with the Specialist Response Division, Territory Safety Division, and the National Substance Abuse Intelligence Desk.
The operation culminated in the interception of two vehicles on the Stuart Highway. A search uncovered several bottles of spirits, 250 grams of cannabis, and a staggering 121 kilograms of kava.
Two women and three men, aged between 47 and 59, were charged with: Possessing a commercial quantity of kava; Supplying a commercial quantity of kava; and Supplying a Schedule 2 dangerous drug to an Indigenous community.
Senior Sergeant Meacham King added:
“We will continue to target individuals who facilitate the illegal supply of regulated substances. This was an excellent collaboration between all our divisions, and I would like to thank all the officers involved in the swift action and apprehensions.”
Kava, derived from the root of the Piper methysticum plant, is traditionally consumed in Pacific Island communities during ceremonies and social gatherings.
In the Northern Territory, it is typically prepared by Aboriginal communities as a drink made from powdered root mixed with water. While possession of up to 2 kilograms is permitted under the Kava Management Act 1998, it is illegal to import, sell, supply, cultivate, or produce kava. Authorities continue to enforce these regulations to limit the spread of harmful substances into vulnerable communities.
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