A man and woman have been arrested following a drug bust at a rural Alice Springs property, with drug detectives finding more than $75,000 in cash, four firearms and ammunition, a “replica” automatic rifle and 4.3kgs of marijuana, NT Police said.

The drug bust was carried out as part of Operation Beale, which the NT Police established late last year to “investigate and disrupt illicit drug supply into the Greater Alice Springs region”.

Police said they executed a search warrant at the rural Alice Springs property and seized the items, along with two other “replica” handguns, fireworks and a Toyota Landcruiser. They also said they suspect the pair were involved in transporting 23kg of cannabis before the bust.

Two people, a 38-year-old man and a 33-year-old female, were arrested and face numerous charges including possessing and supplying a commercial quantity of cannabis, possessing “tainted” property, possessing a firearm without a licence, possessing prohibited weapon and possessing fireworks outside of the approved period.

Both were expected to appear in Alice Springs Local Court today.

“Police will allege the pair were also involved in the transportation of an estimated 23kg of cannabis prior to the execution of the search warrant,” said Senior Constable Nicholas Mitchell in a statement.

“The supply of illicit substances into Alice Springs causes a ripple effect of harm to our most vulnerable community members. NT Police will continue to disrupt and prosecute anyone who attempts to transport or supply drugs into the Northern Territory.”