Image: Australian Federal Police
A fugitive who attempted to escape Australia for Papua New Guinea on a jet ski has been caught and apprehended by authorities.
The arrest was made by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), the Australian Border Force (ABF) and Queensland Police Service (QPS), as per AFP’s press release last March 27.
The fugitive, identified as a 57-year-old United Kingdom national, was on the run from drug-related charges in Western Australia. According to the report, the fugitive was seen by the border force on March 25 launching a jet ski at Pundsand Bay on Cape York, possibly armed with a crossbow. This, however, was later clarified to CNN on March 27 by an ABF spokesperson, who said the man did not have a crossbow in his possession.
The authorities identified the fugitive’s travel path to Papua New Guinea and his intention to purchase fuel to facilitate his travel.
The fugitive and the jet ski was located “on mudflats on the eastern side of Saibai Island,” as per report. “One of the vessel’s tenders was deployed and the embarked QPS officer detained the individual.”
The authorities’ joint efforts in thwarting the fugitive’s attempt for escape was lauded by ABF Commander Jo Crooks as a “perfect example of local intelligence sharing.”
“We have the ability to detect a range of border threats, including suspicious movements through the region,” Crooks said. “Anyone who thinks they can either enter or leave Australia through the region without detection should think again.”
An AFP spokesperson echoed Crooks’ sentiments, saying their reach across Australia is second to none.
“This arrest sends a strong message to would-be fugitives,” the spokesperson said. “Our reach across Australia is second to none and we will use all our contacts and relationships to find you and bring you before a court.” JB
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