Commander Bruce Porter told the Katherine Times that just the same as most towns, cities and communities across the country, the Katherine district had experienced an increase in the use of methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth” or “ice”.

Katherine police have so far come across small quantities of the drug, with most seizures throughout October, November and December weighing between 0.01 grams and 1.5g.

According to police, the street value of ice can be as high as $1500 per gram.

In September, approximately five grams of the drug was seized in Katherine, and in August 2014, there was a more significant seizure of 12g, that resulted in the arrest of two men who were detected transporting it from Darwin to Katherine for sale in the local area.

Commander Porter said police had begun to receive intelligence about amphetamine and methamphetamine use in indigenous communities although, to date, no significant detections had been made in these areas.

He urged the community to assist and co-operate where they could with police, as the success of proactive operations and initiatives worked in tandem with information provided by members of the public.

“These drugs take significant amounts of money out of our communities to line the pockets of those responsible,” he said.

“The devastating effects, resulting health issues and other consequences experienced by our communities, are the reasons we always encourage anyone with information on the supply or movement of illicit substances to contact police as soon possible.”