Vietnamese national accused of cannabis trafficking will apply for refugee status, Darwin court hears

A Vietnamese national accused of trafficking 113 kg of drugs has set his sights on becoming Australia’s latest refugee, a court has heard, with the man offering a $150,000 surety to secure bail.

NT Police seized more 113kg of cannabis and $270,000 in cash earlier this month, dealing a major blow to a Vietnamese crime syndicate. Picture: NT Police

A Vietnamese national accused of trafficking 113 kg of cannabis is applying for refugee status, a court has heard, with the man offering a $150,000 surety to secure his bail and get out of Darwin’s notoriously overcrowded prison system.

The 56-year-old man, who’s name has been suppressed, was arrested by authorities on the outskirts of Darwin earlier this month.

On June 2, the man had been travelling in a vehicle suspected of muling drugs on behalf of a Vietnamese crime syndicate.

The vehicle was intercepted by authorities on Willard Road in Holtze.

Police say about 113 kg of cannabis and around $270,000 in cash was seized during the operation.

Two men from Victoria, aged 56 and 27, were arrested, along with a 26-year-old local.

Both Victorians were charged with supplying and possessing a commercial quantity of schedule two drugs and receiving the proceeds of crime.

It was later reported the arrested individuals had been the subject of a targeted surveillance operation.

The Vietnamese national appeared in Darwin Local Court on Tuesday. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

On Tuesday morning, the 56-year-old man made an application for bail at Darwin Local Court, appearing via video link.

His defence lawyer said his client intended to appeal to authorities in Canberra.

“He currently is the subject for an application for a protection visa - a refugee visa,” he said.

The lawyer also indicated his client was prepared to “proceed to trial” regarding the charges.

“He has no priors, he’s not known (to authorities),” he said.

The court heard the accused had resided in Australia “for some time”, and had a child living interstate.

A portion of the 113 kgs of cannabis NT Police say they seized following the interception. Picture: NT Police

Proposed bail conditions included he return to his Victorian residence and abide by a curfew.

Further, it was heard he was no longer in possession of a passport and was prepared to pay a $150,000 surety.

The prosecution opposed bail, saying “this is all he has”.

“(He had) a significant amount of money as well as a large quantity drugs (which) were quickly sold to obtain a further significant amount of money,” the prosecution said.

“We do feel there is a strong crown case here and do (and) from the outset it would not be prejudicial to refuse (bail).”

A campervan was allegedly used by a Vietnamese crime syndicate to transport cannabis to the Territory. Picture: NT Police

The crown prosecutor said the accused lacked the elements necessary to be a successful refugee.

“I can’t see from the application any grounds why he may be a suitable refugee, what cause he has for fleeing what associations or any difficulties or extenuating circumstances may be present in that refugee application,” he said.

“On those grounds I don’t think Your Honour could be satisfied that he may even be a suitable refugee.”

Judge Sally Ozolins said likelihood of imprisonment, if the accused was found guilty, was “significant motivation” to avoid future court dates.

“I’m not persuaded that the presumption against (bail) has been overcome.”

The man will return to court in July for a Preliminary Examination Mention.

Originally published as Vietnamese national accused of cannabis trafficking will apply for refugee status, Darwin court hears