CANBERRA, ACT, Sept. 13 -- Australian Federal Police issued the following media release:
This is a joint media release with the Australian Federal Police and Queensland Police Service
Editor's note:arrest vision and images of seized available via Hightail
Two men have been charged with allegedly trafficking firearms to a violent paramilitary group based in Indonesia.
A two-year joint investigation by the Queensland Joint Counter Terrorism Team (QLD JCTT) - made up of AFP, Queensland Police Service and Australian Security Intelligence Organisation members - and New Zealand Police, has resulted in a New South Wales man, 64, and a Queensland man, 44, being charged with firearm trafficking offences.
The investigation was launched after members of the National Liberation Army of West Papua (TPNPB) kidnapped New Zealand pilot, Phillip Mehrtens, in February 2023 on a remote air strip in the Indonesian Province of West Papua.
Mr Mehrtens had been flying in and out of West Papua as a pilot but was kidnapped by the TPNPD after landing a small aircraft at Paro Airport, West Papua.
He was held in captivity for 592 days before being released in September 2024.
As a result of the joint investigation into Mr Mehrtens kidnapping, investigators uncovered evidence allegedly linking the NSW man and the QLD man to the trafficking of firearms from Australia to Indonesia. Both men have been charged with:
* One count of conspiracy to export Tier 2 Goods, contrary to section 233BAB(6) of the Customs Act 1901 (Cth), by virtue of section 11.5(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth). This offence has a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment.
The NSW man was also charged with:
* One count of export Tier 2 Goods, contrary to section 233BAB(6) of the Customs Act 1901 (Cth). This offence has a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment;* One count of conspiracy to traffic prohibited firearms or firearm parts out of Australia, contrary to section 361.3(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth), by virtue of section 11.5(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth). This offence has a maximum penalty of 20 years' imprisonment;* One count of unlawful supply of weapons, contrary to s50B(1)(c) Weapons Act 1999 (QLD). This offence has a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment; and* One count of possess controlled substance, contrary to section 9A(1) of the Drugs and Misuse Act 1986 (Qld). This offence has a maximum penalty of 15 years' imprisonment.
The QLD man was also charged with:
* One count of possess explosives without authority, contrary to s34(1) of Explosives Act 1999 (QLD). This offence has a maximum penalty of six months' imprisonment.The NSW man appeared in Coffs Harbour Local Court yesterday (12 September, 2025) and was granted bail to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on 17 October, 2025.
The Queensland man was granted bail to also appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on 17 October, 2025.
Police will allege the men attempted to traffic firearms and ammunition from Australia to the TPNPB in West Papua, Indonesia. It will be alleged the men also discussed sourcing Australian military firearms for the paramilitary group.
Between March and April 2024, the NSW man travelled to Indonesia to meet with members of the TPNPB in the Indonesian Province of West Papua and allegedly illegally transported an optical rifle scope into Indonesia.
Following extensive inquiries, investigators executed search warrants at the men's homes in Urunga, NSW, and Eagleby, QLD, in November, 2024.
A number of items were seized, including 13.6kg of mercury metal, which is a controlled substance, at the Urunga home.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt said the AFP had zero tolerance for any form of violence or gun crime in any country.
"Anyone involved in the trafficking of illegal weapons from Australia with the intention of providing them into the hands of international groups should be warned - the AFP and our partners are dedicated to preventing the trafficking of illegal weapons," AFP Assistant Commissioner Nutt said.
"Law enforcement is committed to stopping criminals who facilitate the domestic and international movement of illegal firearms and ammunition. The use of these deadly and illegal weapons can have far-reaching consequences if they reach the wrong hands.
"The AFP works closely with our international partners, including New Zealand Police, to protect the community by disrupting criminal syndicates and removing illegal firearms from the community.
Queensland Police Service acting Assistant Commissioner Heath Hutchings said: "This outcome reflects the strength of our collaborative efforts with national and international law enforcement and intelligence partners".
"This operation sends a clear message: those who seek to profit from the illegal trafficking of firearms will be identified and prosecuted. Our priority remains the safety of the community, and we will continue to work relentlessly with our partners to disrupt criminal networks," acting Assistant Commissioner Hutchings said.
New Zealand Police acting Deputy Commissioner Mike Pannett said: "New Zealand Police worked closely with the joint counter terrorism team as we investigated the kidnapping of Phillip Mehrtens. This was a complex investigation involving a number of jurisdictions and challenges, and our focus was always on the safe return of Philip Mehrtens.
"While we are pleased Mr Mehrtens was released and able to return to his family, working closely with the Australian police agencies is an important part of protecting our community here in New Zealand."
Anyone with information about extremist activity or possible threats to the community should come forward, no matter how small or insignificant you may think the information may be. The National Security Hotline is 1800 123 400.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
