Australian Border Force intercepts Indonesian fishing vessel near Darwin

The crew of an Indonesian fishing vessel has been detained in Darwin after Border Force officers intercepted it in Australian waters.

The Australian Border Force along with Defence authorities are investigating a foreign fishing vessel after it was intercepted and brought into Darwin. Picture: AAP / Tracey Nearmy

Border force authorities are investigating a foreign fishing vessel intercepted in Australian waters north of Darwin.

The Australian Defence Force’s HMAS Armidale along with border force and fishery authorities brought the vessel into the Northern Territory capital on Wednesday, two days after it was seized.

The Indonesian boat, Alwi Jaya, was alleged to have been carrying an estimated 250kg of trepang (sea cucumber), 15 shark fins, fish and fishing equipment.

The eight crew on board were detained in Darwin as Australian Fishing Management Authorities investigated.

Commander MBC Rear Admiral Justin Jones said the apprehension should send a strong message to foreign vessels “looking to exploit” Australian waters.

“We will continue to undertake aerial surveillance and maritime patrols to detect and intercept illegal fishing operators to protect Australia’s borders and our precious natural resources,” RADM Jones said.

“Our message is clear – those looking to exploit Australia’s sovereign waters will be detected, caught and will face the consequences.”

AFMA chief executive Wez Norris said illegal foreign fishing could have devastating impacts on marine ecosystems.

“The (men, if convicted) face the prospect of significant fines and the loss of their vessel which has a detrimental impact on their livelihoods,” he said.

“Additionally, we are continuing to work closely with Indonesia to address the issue at its source through the delivery of education workshops in key Indonesian ports which outline the risks and consequences of illegal fishing.”

Photos: Police dog sniffs out drug-filled speaker at Darwin airport

A NT Police dog stopped the alleged transportation of drugs to a remote community after discovering a speaker filled with cannabis at Darwin Airport.

NT Police dog Rafa allegedly found the speaker among the luggage of a 32-year-old woman.

The speaker was filled with alcohol, cannabis and other items indicative of drug supply.

NT Police discovered cannabis and alcohol concealed inside a speaker. Picture: NTPFES

A woman who allegedly concealed drugs bound for a remote community in a speaker has been called to appear in court. Picture: NTPFES

The woman was handed a notice to appear, and is expected to appear at Wadeye Court on April 18.

Police urge anyone with information on the supply of alcohol or drugs to Territory communities to call police on 131 444.

People can also make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Darwin worker threatened with knife and rock, police say

Teens allegedly threatened an employee with a knife and a rock when they broke into a Darwin business.

NT Police alleged a 16-year-old and 17-year-old broke into the Woods St business, threatened a worker, and fled with stolen alcohol on Monday night.

Police said Strike Force Trident charged the duo with unlawful entry and aggravated robbery and were due to appear in court on Wednesday.

Police said an alleged group of offenders robbed a woman and broke into a business on Chung Wah Tce on the same night.

They said a 21-year-old woman was tracked by police CCTV operators.

Police said she was arrested and charged with two counts of unlawful entry and stealing, and had been bailed to appear in Darwin Local Court on March 9.

Alleged domestic violence offender faces six charges

A man who breached a domestic violence order has been arrested and charged.

NT police said the Domestic and Family Violence Unit arrested the 47-year-old man over the weekend for alleged domestic violence offences.

The man was charged with two counts of aggravated assault, three counts of breach of bail, and breaching a domestic violence order.

The man was due to appear in Darwin Local Court on Wednesday.

Originally published as Australian Border Force intercepts Indonesian fishing vessel near Darwin