Queensland Couple Charged in Alleged Drug Importation Scheme Using Fishing Trawler
Two Queensland residents are set to appear in court today, following allegations they purchased a fishing trawler with suspected illicit funds to facilitate drug importation into Australia.
A 32-year-old man is scheduled to face Mackay Magistrates Court, while a 37-year-old woman will appear before Beenleigh Magistrates Court. The charges come after authorities flagged a suspicious voyage, prompting an investigation into the purchase of a fishing trawler reportedly used in the scheme.
According to the Australian Federal Police (AFP), the man allegedly established a trawl fishing company in December 2024. Within a month, suspicious deposits totaling approximately $500,000 were made into the company’s accounts. Investigators believe that about $230,000 of those funds were used to purchase the trawler in February 2025. Police allege that the bank transactions linked to the man were inconsistent with the operations of a genuine fishing business.
Authorities further allege that the vessel served as the couple’s primary residence until January 2026 and was acquired with illicit funds to support the importation of illegal drugs.
Yesterday, the AFP executed four simultaneous search warrants on properties in South-East Queensland and Mackay, seizing multiple electronic devices and documents for examination.
Both suspects have been charged with one count each of dealing with money and property worth $100,000 or more, intending for the property to be used as an instrument of crime—namely, the importation of border-controlled drugs. The charge, under section 400.4(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth), carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Shane Scott emphasized the agency’s commitment to community safety and the ongoing effort to disrupt drug trafficking operations. “The AFP is committed to defending Australia from drug trafficking and disrupting anyone attempting to profit at the expense and suffering of the community,” he said.
He added, “Illicit drugs attack the fabric of a safe society, so no matter how small a part a person plays in the importation of drugs, know that the AFP and our law enforcement partners will make sure you face your day in court.”
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