TWO Queenslanders are expected to appear in court after allegedly using suspected illicit funds to purchase a fishing trawler for drug importations.
A man, 32, is expected to appear before Mackay Magistrates Court and a woman, 37, is set to appear before Beenleigh Magistrates Court.
The hearing comes after an investigation into a voyage flagged as suspicious by authorities led to scrutiny of the fishing trawler’s purchase.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigators allegedly identified the man had set up a trawl fishing company in December 2024.
AFP detective acting superintendent Shane Scott said ensuring community safety was at the heart of AFP 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,” a/Supt Scott said.
“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.”
A month later, multiple suspicious deposits to the tune of $500,000 were made into the company’s associated bank accounts.
The man allegedly used about $230,000 to purchase the trawler in February last year.
Police will allege in court an analysis of bank transactions linked to the man were inconsistent with running a trawl fishing business.
The AFP will also allege the vessel – which was the couple’s main residence until last month — was purchased with illicit funds to facilitate the importation of illegal drugs.
The AFP executed four simultaneous search warrants on properties in south-east Queensland and Mackay on 11 February as part of the investigation.
During the searches police seized a number of electronic devices and documents for further examination.
The man and woman were each charged with one count of dealing with money and property worth $100,000 or more intending the property to be used as an instrument of crime, namely the importation of border-controlled drugs.
This offence carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment.