Reports indicate the man was among a group taken in for questioning by the military in recent days as part of ongoing operations targeting alleged gang-linked drug activity.

“Criminal groups are using complex concealment tactics, including heavy machinery, to try to evade detection”

An international investigation into the suspected “mother ship” and its organisers remains ongoing, with authorities indicating further arrests are possible.

Prosecutors say he orchestrated a sophisticated cross-border operation responsible for moving hundreds of kilograms of methamphetamine and cocaine for distribution.

Arshdeep Singh, who entered Canada on a study permit in 2022, and Sukhnaaz Singh Sandhu, a temporary resident since 2016 and suspected member of the Ruffians gang, were both linked to criminal networks with connections in India.

Police allege that during the search of the bag they located and seized a pipe and about one gram of a substance believed to be methamphetamine.

During a forensic search of the vessel, officers deployed specialist technology, including videoscopes and detector dogs.

AFP warned that profits from large-scale drug importations could also be used to fund politically motivated crimes or terrorism, contributing to instability across the region.

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency has issued a public warning about the cancelled and prohibited practitioner, saying he cannot provide any health services and remains under investigation.

The man arrested has not been named by the AFP, but authorities have confirmed he is a former Melbourne resident Kazem Hamad who was deported from Australia in 2023 and has been a key figure of interest in investigations into drug trafficking and violent organised crime.