A fugitive accused of conspiring to import illicit drugs into Australia has been captured on a yacht off the Northern Territory coast. The 35-year-old Sydney man was originally charged in July 2023 as part of Operation Ironside but failed to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on January 20, 2025. An arrest warrant was issued after he was last seen at a rehabilitation facility in Swan Bay, NSW, on January 8, 2025. Authorities allege he was part of a drug syndicate that used the ANOM platform to import illicit drugs into Australia. His disappearance led to a nationwide search, culminating in his arrest at sea.
Covert Operation Leads to Arrest
On January 25, 2025, a man matching the fugitive’s description was spotted flashing a torch at East Woody Beach, Nhulunbuy, NT, signaling to a yacht anchored offshore. The yacht’s crew responded in kind, triggering the attention of Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Border Force (ABF) officers, who had been conducting covert surveillance on the vessel. Despite immediate intervention by Northern Territory Police, both the yacht and the suspect disappeared. However, on January 26, 2025, the AFP and ABF Maritime Border Command deployed a patrol boat that intercepted the yacht in the Arafura Sea. The vessel was escorted back to Nhulunbuy, where the fugitive was taken into custody under an NSW arrest warrant.
Legal Consequences for All Involved
The Sydney man is set to appear before the Darwin Local Court on January 29, 2025, where authorities will apply for his extradition to NSW. He originally faced charges of:
- Conspiracy to import a commercial quantity of methamphetamine, under sections 307.1 and 11.5 of the Criminal Code (Cth);
- Trafficking commercial quantities of a controlled drug, under section 302.2(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth);
- Breaching a firearm prohibition order by acquiring or possessing a firearm, under Section 74(1) of the Firearms Act 1996 (NSW).
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment for the drug offenses and up to five years for the firearm violation. Additionally, the yacht’s crew, a 51-year-old Dutchman and a 42-year-old British woman, will face charges of people smuggling under Section 73.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth). This offense carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Authorities Praise Efforts in High-Stakes Capture
AFP Commander Paula Hudson lauded the expertise and dedication of the law enforcement agencies involved. “We do not give up. The AFP will work relentlessly with our partners to bring criminals to justice,” she said. ABF acting Chief Superintendent Sonya Boylan issued a stern warning about the consequences of aiding organized crime. “The charges laid against the vessel’s crew serve as a warning—there are severe penalties for those who facilitate criminal ventures for profit.”
Northern Territory Police Force Assistant Commissioner Travis Wurst echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency cooperation. “This is a phenomenal result that showcases the effectiveness of joint operations in disrupting criminal activities.” Authorities continue to crack down on transnational crime, ensuring that those attempting to evade justice face the full extent of the law.
