Video: Australian Authorities Arrest Fugitive Drug Suspect Fleeing On Yacht

A fugitive accused of importing drugs under Operation Ironside has been arrested while he was trying to flee Australia on a yacht off the Northern Territory coast.

Hussein Chamas, aged 35, was detained by Australian authorities on January 26, 2025, after he was found on a vessel sailing north in the Arafura Sea.

Chamas had been wanted since January 8, 2025, when he disappeared from a rehabilitation facility in Swan Bay, New South Wales. He was required to stay there for his bail after being charged in July 2023 with conspiracy to import methamphetamine, drug trafficking, and illegally possessing a firearm.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) allege that he was part of a transnational syndicate that used the ANOM platform to coordinate drug imports into Australia.

After Chamas failed to appear at the Downing Centre Local Court on January 20, 2025, a warrant was issued for his arrest. The AFP, along with the Australian Border Force (ABF) and Northern Territory Police, tracked him down after a sighting at East Woody Beach, Nhulunbuy, NT, on January 25.

Authorities reported that he was seen flashing a torch towards a nearby yacht, and the yacht’s crew responded by flashing a torch back. The yacht had already been under covert surveillance by the AFP and ABF.

Northern Territory Police responded to the sighting but were unable to locate the man or the yacht at that time. The next day, ABF and AFP Maritime Border Command intercepted the yacht while it was sailing north in the Arafura Sea.

The vessel was escorted back to Nhulunbuy, where Chamas was found on board and taken into custody under the NSW arrest warrant.

Chamas, who first pleaded not guilty to the drug-related charges, now faces extradition to NSW. The charges against him are:

Conspiracy to import a commercial quantity of methamphetamine under section 307.1 and section 11.5 of the Criminal Code (Cth)

Trafficking commercial quantities of a controlled drug under section 302.2(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth)
Breach of a Firearms Prohibition Order (FPO) by acquiring or possessing a firearm under section 74(1) of the Firearms Act 1996 (NSW)

Both drug-related charges carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, while the firearms charge has a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

Video Credits: Australian Federal Police/Facebook

The yacht’s crew members- a 51-year-old Dutchman and a 42-year-old woman from the United Kingdom have been charged with people smuggling under section 73.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth). This offence carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

AFP Commander Paula Hudson stated “We do not give up. The AFP will continue to work relentlessly with our partners to ensure anyone involved in criminality is brought to justice, even if they have other ideas.”

She also thanked AFP officers and their partners in the ABF and Northern Territory Police for their efforts.

ABF acting Chief Superintendent Sonya Boylan warned that organised criminals exploit vulnerable individuals to keep their activities going. “There are serious penalties, including possible jail time, for anyone tempted to facilitate any criminal venture in exchange for a profit,” she said.

She added that ABF officers work closely with local law enforcement and communities to ensure border security.

Northern Territory Police Force Assistant Commissioner Travis Wurst praised the quick response by all agencies involved. “I want to commend the quick action taken by all and thank everyone involved in the efficient and safe arrest of this fugitive,” he said. He added that police will continue working with federal agencies to disrupt criminal activity.

Chamas is expected to appear before the Darwin Local Court on January 29, 2025, where an extradition application to NSW will be made.

Authorities believe he was attempting to flee Australia to avoid trial, and further investigations are underway to determine his connection to the yacht’s crew.

References: NBN news, abc.net

Source: Maritime Shipping News