Legal stoush over Dutton, Keenan ‘drug bust’ comments

A legal stoush has erupted over alleged comments made by Peter Dutton and Minister Michael Keenan over alleged cocaine haul.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton and Federal Justice Minister Michael Keenan made the comments regarding a large scale drug bust this month. Picture Gary Ramage

A stoush has erupted in a local Sydney court over alleged comments made by Immigration Minister Peter Dutton and Federal Justice Minister Michael Keenan over a large scale drug bust this month.

Six men, aged between 32 and 66 were arrested this week over the alleged importation of 1.4 tonnes of cocaine into Australia from South America.

Police claim the drugs, valued at $312 million, were located on a yacht and the captain and crew of the vessel were arrested.

The men were charged with conspiracy to import border controlled drugs and could face a maximum of life imprisonment.

Mr Dutton released a congratulatory statement this week, calling the bust the “largest cocaine haul ever seized in a single operation in Australia’s history”.

“The ground-breaking operation has stopped a tsunami of the illicit drug from hitting our streets and its potential to have a deathly impact of the likes never seen before on Australian shores,” Mr Dutton said.

“The success of our agencies is sending a loud and clear message to the crooks attempting to peddle drugs like cocaine: you will get caught and you will pay the price”.

Minister Keenan appeared at a press conference this week, praising the police in their “ground-breaking” operation.

Appearing on behalf of one of the accused smugglers, Kevin Michael Geraghty, lawyer Bryan Wrench criticised authorities and politicians for releasing information that could damage of potential trial and requested that they stop immediately.

He is expected to enter a formal plea of not guilty on behalf of his client.

“We would ask that they refrain from making any further comments to the public about this case,” Mr Wrench told the court this morning.

Presiding Magistrate Alex Mijovich asked the defence lawyer how he was supposed to “make orders on the minister not to say anything”.

“If he wishes to do that and be brought before a court then that’s a matter for him,” Mr Mijovich said.

According to Mr Wrench, any further comments could risk a miss trial.

“I’m sure Mr Dutton is copping enough flack on his failed negotiations with Trump,” Mr Wrench said.

“I just want it put on the record”.

Mr Mijovich ordered briefs of evidence to be delivered in May, when the matter will continue.

The six men will remain in custody.