Northern Territory Police say they seized more than $60,000 dollars worth of kava in Arnhem Land last night.

They arrested a 46-year-old Tongan man at Nhulunbuy after he had arrived there on a flight from Cairns.

Police say they found 61 kilograms of the controlled substance kava.

Watch commander Paul Faustmann says the kava looked like it was going to be sold.

"The kava consisted of 1,080 deal bags and I do believe it has a street value of approximately $62,000," he said.

The man is expected to be charged today.