Tourists arrested after boozy night at Cape Tribulation resort

Four allegedly boozed up international tourists who went on a rampage at an isolated Far North resort have been arrested by police. How the men were dealt with.

Empty alcohol cans and bottles were found throughout the resort on Sunday, Ferntree Rainforest Lodge owner Mark Cromwell said.

Four allegedly boozed-up international tourists who went on a rampage at a Cape Tribulation resort have been arrested by Mossman police.

The men were visiting Ferntree Rainforest and Lodge on Camelot Close on January 27 when police allege they forced entry into a building.

Officers arrested the four men at an address on Lake St in Cairns three days later.

“Police responded to these people being unlawfully on the premises and we found 12 foreign nationals, mostly French and Belgian. We took their details and were able to get them out of the area,” Detective Acting Inspector Jason Chetham said.

“The difficulty for police was language barriers as they (the foreign nationals) mostly spoke only French … it was language barriers that stopped police from taking enforcement action (at the scene).”

Ferntree Rainforest Lodge inspected the property following the alleged break in, discovering extensive damage throughout the resort. Picture: Supplied

Police said a 21, 20 and 30-year-old man were all handed adult cautions.

A 22-year-old man was also charged with two counts of entering premises and three counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

He is due to appear before Cairns Magistrates Court on February 9.

Mr Chetham said police discovered damaged vehicles as well as superficial damage to the lodge, including removal of CCTV equipment.

“The premises was (allegedly) unlawfully entered, the door was forced, they got into the kitchen and took food and drinks,” he said.

“We feel that individual (the 22-year-old) was the ringleader and caused the most trouble up there.”

Three vehicles were damaged during the alleged break in at Cape Tribulation, Ferntree Rainforest and Lodge owner Mark Cromwell said. Picture: Supplied

Mr Chetham said police concluded the other eight people did not trouble and kept to their own vehicles while the four men recklessly romped around the property.

“That group of people had made a booking there and did not realise it had been cancelled,” he said.

“The majority of people there stayed in their own vehicles and had their own food and drink with them. It was only a handful we believe … caused some trouble at the scene.

“It’s clear from our investigation most of the people weren’t there to cause trouble or cause offences, so they were able to assist us with our inquiries.”

Mr Chetham said the incident had brought further police attention to the unfortunate circumstances still being experienced by the Cape Tribulation community.

“This underlines people in Cape Tribulation have had a tough time … since Cyclone Jasper came through and the subsequent flooding,” he said.

Detective Acting Inspector Jason Chetham said the incident highlighted the tough time being experienced by the Cape Tribulation community. Picture: Brendan Radke

“We are continuing to maintain a presence up there … people can expect to see a high visibility police presence up there.”

Lodge owner Mark Cromwell previously stated a $350,000 Isuzu truck used for tours was damaged, rooms were broken into and fuel was missing from the resort’s maintenance areas.

“It looked like a proper bender,” Mr Cromwell said.

Still recovering from ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper in December, the community felt “rattled” by the alleged incident, Mr Cromwell said.

“I’m just sitting there by myself, I can’t really stop them, I didn’t want to stir them up. I was pretty vulnerable,” he said.

Mossman and Port Douglas Police are continuing proactive patrols in flood-affected areas.

Far North District Superintendent Monique Ralph said work is continuing to support communities impacted by Cyclone Jasper.

“The Queensland Police Service has a zero tolerance for stealing, especially when parts of our region are still recovering from the disaster,” Superintendent Ralph said.

“If you notice anything suspicious in your area or have information that can assist police with these patrols and investigations, please come forward.”

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24 hours a day.

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Originally published as Tourists arrested after boozy night at Cape Tribulation resort