Queensland Police Service (QPS), the Australian Border Force (ABF) and Australian Federal Police have arrested two men in relation to the alleged importation of cannabis with an estimated value of $27,000 as part of a joint-agency operation, Queensland Police say.
On September 1, the Australian Border Force (ABF) Border Monitoring Officer on Dauan Island confronted three PNG male nationals who had just arrived by boat. As a result of that interaction and further questioning, she collected valuable intelligence regarding an alleged attempted cannabis import from PNG.
This information was shared with other relevant agencies including QPS and AFP and resulted in a multi-agency response, which included QPS investigators travelling to Dauan Island.
Upon arrival at Dauan Island, QPS officers allegedly located 30 one-ounce bags of cannabis.
The amount of cannabis located was a significant seizure and investigators believe the cannabis was destined for sale within the local market of the Torres Strait.
A 45-year-old man from Papua New Guinea has been arrested in relation to the alleged importation of border-controlled plants due to a 2016 matter arising from joint agency operation North Caspian.
The man has also been charged with the importation of border-controlled plants (cannabis) and trafficking dangerous drugs.
He has been remanded in custody to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on September 8.
A 38-year-old Dauan Island man is also assisting police with their inquires.
The Queensland Police Service wishes to thank vigilant members of the Torres Straits community for their on-going assistance in assisting law enforcement agencies in the Torres Straits to detect, deter and prosecute people dealing drugs in our community.
If you have any information that you think maybe suspicious contact Crime Stoppers.
