Cops arrest 22-year-old alleged Palmerston people smuggler after raid

Police have arrested a Northern Territory man for alleged people smuggling after a raid on his home, in the culmination of a joint operation with Indonesian authorities. Find out more >

Police have arrested a Palmerston man for alleged people smuggling following a raid on his Johnston home on Thursday in the culmination of a joint operation with Indonesian authorities.

In a statement released on Friday, an Australian Federal Police spokeswoman said the 22-year-old had been charged with one count of people smuggling under the Commonwealth Migration Act.

Australian Federal Police officers have charged a 22-year-old Johnston man with one count of people smuggling. Picture: AFP

“The AFP has a trusted and longstanding relationship with Indonesian National Police and will work closely with authorities to target people smugglers,” she said.

“Inquiries are continuing in Australia and offshore.”

The man will front the Darwin Local Court on August 20.

He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison if found guilty.