One man is facing charges relating to the illegal sale of kava in Ramingining after police recently raided a home in the remote community, finding 2,200 individual bags of the sedative that is legal in other parts of Australia, as well as logbooks containing names and sales records, NT Police said.

Police were acting on a tip from the community that led them to the haul, with an estimated street value of $110,000.

A search warrant was executed under the NT’s Kava Management Act on the residence in which police found the man inside a bedroom with two individual “deal bags” of kava and a “large sum of cash”. Police also seized a logbook with names and monetary figures, as well as keys to a white Ford Ranger at the property.

A search of the vehicle uncovered three large bags of kava, police said.

In total, police seized 2,207 individual bags of kava; $10,670 in cash; the logbook allegedly recording sales; a mobile phone; the Ford Ranger and a “10-pack of alcoholic beverages”.

“More than 2,200 individual deal bags have now been prevented from reaching the community, along with the seizure of cash and other items that will assist our investigation,” said Acting Superintendent Daniel Bell.

“We rely on information from the public to identify this type of offending, and this result shows exactly what can be achieved when the community works with police.”

The man, whose age was not provided, was arrested at the scene and refused bail. He was due to appear in Darwin Local Court on Wednesday. Police also did not provide the specific charges.

Kava, which is used in Pacific Islands for its sedative properties, is legal in other Australian jurisdictions but is illegal in the Northern Territory.

Police have previously said kava is being sold for up to $1,000 per kilogram in remote communities and its illegal smuggling has had negative effects on remote communities, including draining family finances and fuelling social problems.

“Investigations remain ongoing,” Supt Bell said. “Anyone with information about the illegal sale or supply of kava is urged to contact police on 131 444. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”