DRUG PIPELINE SNIFFED OUT

More than 2.3kg of illegal drugs destined for the Territory's
Aboriginal communities have been seized by police in less than three
weeks.

Senior Sergeant Les Martin said police had made 27 drugs seizures in
the past 17 days as part of a joint customs and NT police operation.

The NT Police drug squad used two sniffer dogs from the Customs
service.

"The main objective of the operation was to intercept and reduce the
availability of drugs, specifically cannabis, destined for the more
remote communities," Sen-Sgt Martin said.

"It seems to be very effective. We've had some very good seizures - 27
to date.

"There's been 19 people issued with drug infringement notices and a
Maningrida man has been arrested for offences related to the supply
and possession of cannabis, and there's been a number of people
summonsed for similar offences."

The drug sniffer dogs had given police an advantage.

It is the second joint operation by the NT Police and Customs in the
past six months.

The drug dogs have been searching light aircraft premises, passengers
and freight consignments in Darwin, Katherine, Tennant Creek, Alice
Springs and Yulara.