NT Police have interrupted an organised crime syndicate responsible for importing amphetamines into the Territory.

Operation Piccadilly, aimed at interrupting the supply of methamphetamine into Darwin from Melbourne, has been running since December 2010 and has resulted in three arrests so far.

Police made their first arrest in January, after a 28-year-old man was found to be in possession of methamphetamine at Darwin Airport. Detectives from the Special Operation Section attended the airport on January 14, where they searched the man after he arrived on a flight from Melbourne.

As a result of the search a total of 131.4 grams of high purity methamphetamine was located concealed in a dictionary. The offender has since been charged in relation to possess and supply a dangerous drug and is due to appear in Darwin Magistrates Court on 24 March.

The second offender, a 30-year-old man, was arrested on 14 February after he was also found to be in the possession of drugs at Darwin Airport. NT Police and members from the Australian Federal Police located 53.6 grams of methamphetamine and 28 grams of an unknown substance; which had been concealed under the mans clothing strapped to his body.

Police conveyed the offender to Darwin Watch House where he was later charged with supply and possess a dangerous drug; he will appear in Darwin Magistrates Court on 25 March 2011.

An accomplice and the supplier of the methamphetamine, has since been arrested and extradited from Melbourne. He has been charged with the supply of a commercial quantity of dangerous drugs and remanded in custody to appear in Darwin Magistrates Court on 31 March 2011.

Detective A/Superintendent, Andrew Pusterla, of the Drug & Specialist Crime Division said police will not tolerate these types of offenders trafficking drugs into our community.

"Drug dealers of this type are a high priority for the NT Police and we will continue to target and pursue criminals who profit from the drug trade. If you know anyone profiting from dealing drugs please call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000" he said.

Rickie Scoot

8985 8837