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Fugitive drug syndicate suspect caught on yacht off NT coast

ABF acting Chief Superintendent Sonya Boylan warned against aiding criminal ventures, stating that serious penalties, including jail time, await those who facilitate illegal activities for profit.

A fugitive accused of conspiring to import illicit drugs into Australia has been found and detained on a boat off the Northern Territory coast following a covert operation by authorities.

The 35-year-old Sydney man had been on the run since failing to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on 20 January 2025. He was last seen on 8 January at a rehabilitation facility in Swan Bay, NSW, where he was required to reside under his bail conditions.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) allege the man was part of a drug syndicate that used the ANOM platform to import illicit substances into Australia. He was initially arrested at Sydney Airport in July 2023 while attempting to leave the country and faced multiple serious charges, including conspiracy to import a commercial quantity of methamphetamine, trafficking controlled drugs, and breaching a firearm prohibition order.

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His escape came to an end on Saturday night (25 January) when he was reportedly spotted at East Woody Beach in Nhulunbuy, NT, flashing a torch towards a yacht anchored offshore. The vessel’s crew responded by flashing a torch back, drawing the attention of AFP and Australian Border Force (ABF) officers, who had been conducting surveillance on the yacht.

AFP Commander Paula Hudson praised the operation, calling it a testament to the persistence and expertise of law enforcement agencies.

“We do not give up. The AFP will continue to work relentlessly with our partners to ensure anyone involved in criminality is brought to justice, even if they have other ideas.”

Northern Territory Police attended the scene but were initially unable to locate the man or the vessel. However, a patrol boat deployed by the AFP and ABF Maritime Border Command intercepted the yacht the following day (26 January) as it sailed north in the Arafura Sea. The vessel was escorted back to Nhulunbuy, where officers confirmed the fugitive was aboard and took him into custody under the NSW arrest warrant.

Image: Arrests on NT yacht (Source: AFP)

The yacht’s crew—a 51-year-old Dutch man and a 42-year-old British woman—were also arrested and will be charged with people smuggling under section 73.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth), an offence carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment.

ABF acting Chief Superintendent Sonya Boylan warned against aiding criminal ventures, stating that serious penalties, including jail time, await those who facilitate illegal activities for profit.

Northern Territory Police Force Assistant Commissioner Travis Wurst commended the swift action of all agencies involved.

“We will continue to partner with the AFP and ABF to disrupt the flow of criminal activity and illicit substances from making their way to our streets.”

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The fugitive remains before the courts, facing charges that carry potential life sentences.

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