‘Black flight’ court proceedings delayed in Bundaberg

New evidence has delayed court proceedings for the five men charged over the so-called ‘black flight’, which is alleged to have been carrying a 52kg meth haul from PNG when it touched down in Monto.

Five men - including two pilots - have been charged with orchestrating a “black flight” carrying 52kg of methamphetamine from PNG to Australia. During searches on properties in NSW and Queensland, allegedly police seized electronic devices, firearm parts, drug paraphernalia and documentation referencing aircraft parts and travel to PNG. All five men were charged with importing a commercial quantity of methamphetamine.

All five members of the alleged Monto ‘black flight’ have had their court proceedings delayed until September 5, 2023 as vital evidence remains held by third parties.

Bernard Hamilton Alexander, Nathan Bailey, Peter David Payne, Mark Brian Pracy and John Otto Hovarth had their matters mentioned and postponed in the Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Tuesday, July 11.

The men have been charged with one count each of importing or exporting commercial quantities of border controlled drugs or plants.

Byron Philt from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions appeared by phone on all five matters and said his office had been delayed in providing evidence due to a third party holding phone intercepts and further surveillance.

Mr Philt said his office would be providing updated briefs of evidence which included phone downloads, updated statements of facts, transcripts and surveillance.

Five men were charged following the major arrest at the Monto airstrip.

The men were arrested in Monto on March 23, 2023 after allegedly moving $15 million worth of methamphetamine from PNG to Queensland via a Beechcraft plane.

It’s alleged the pilot's Mr Alexander and Mr Hovarth used dangerous flying tactics, including flying unregistered, at low altitude with the plane's transponder turned off, to make the trip.

During the final court proceedings it will be alleged 51-year-old Mr Alexander and his co-pilot 52-year-old Mr Hovarth began their flight from Winton NSW on March 20.

After flying and landing in Monto, they are alleged to have met a tank of fuel allegedly supplied by 54-year-old Mr Payne before refuelling and heading to Bulolo, PNG.

Here, it’s alleged by police, the plane was loaded with 52kg of meth in five duffel bags before the men flew back to Monto where they were subsequently arrested.

During searches on properties in NSW and Queensland, police allegedly seized electronic devices, firearm parts, drug paraphernalia and documentation referencing aircraft parts and travel to PNG.

During the arrest, police allegedly found and seized a number of electronic devices, and Mr Bailey is alleged to have had 17 mobile phone accounts in his name which were used by the group as burner phones.

None of the men appeared in the courthouse on July 11, and their legal representation spoke on their behalf.

Town agent Nick Larter appeared for Mr Pracy and Mr Bailey, seeking their matters be postponed for further evidence.

Both of the men, along with Mr Alexander and Mr Payne will remain in custody until their next court appearance.

Nic Tobin appeared via phone for Mr Alexander, and said his office was also waiting on further evidence before the matters could proceed.

Virginia Ukpabi appeared via phone for Mr Payne, as did Steven Motter for Mr Hovarth, both seeking further evidence.

Mr Motter said his client, who was on bail, would also be making representations to the police in the near future.