Two cars and a safe containing the drugs were stolen from the Katherine Veterinary Clinic between 4am and 6am on Monday morning, but quickly recovered.

"The recovery in particular of the safe and its contents means that we have removed the risk of potentially lethal veterinary drugs falling into the wrong hands," Senior Sergeant Karen Sanderson said in a short statement today.

"Investigations continue to identify and apprehend co-offenders."

Veterinary clinic owner Alex Burleigh told the Katherine Times yesterday the swift crime spree "impeded" the clinic's ability to treat animals, and could not confirm if all the drugs had been accounted for.

In a police statement yesterday, Senior Sergeant Sanderson said "the drugs are not suitable for humans and could cause death if consumed".

The vet clinic was not the only target in Katherine on Monday - the Katherine Country Club was left counting the costs of an attempted break-in, also allegedly at the hands of the youth.

The arrested youths, aged between 15 and 17, are expected to be charged today, Senior Sergeant Sanderson said.

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