Monto ‘black flight’ matters heard in Bundaberg Magistrates Court

Two USBs worth of evidence have been released amid the ongoing court proceedings for five men allegedly involved in the “black flight” meth haul in Monto earlier this year.

The drug importation charges faced by the five “Monto black flight” accused continue to work through the courts, with new evidence released by the Commonwealth.

All five members allegedly involved in the Monto ‘black flight’ have had their matters adjourned in the Bundaberg Magistrates Court, as further evidence is released by police.

Bernard Hamilton Alexander, Nathan Bailey, Peter David Payne, Mark Brian Pracy and John Otto Hovarth had their matters mentioned in the Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Tuesday, October 31.

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

A Commonwealth Directors Office representative told the court via phone that two USBs worth of further information had been released.

They said there was also still more material to be released to the defence.

“In relation to all the matters, there is still some surveillance statements outstanding,” the court heard.

While their individual legal representatives front, none of the men appeared at the courthouse for the brief mention.

Their matters adjourned to November 28, 2023.

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

It’s alleged the pilots 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.

Police allege 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.

Police allege the plane was loaded with 52kg of meth in five duffel bags in Bulolo before the men flew back to Monto where they were subsequently arrested.