AFP sent two letters before Bali nine arrests, court told

The Federal Court in Darwin has heard that the Australian Federal Police (AFP) sent two letters to Indonesian authorities days before the arrest of a group of Australians on drug charges.

Scott Rush, Renae Lawrence, Michael Czugaj and Martin Stephens were among nine people arrested in Bali in April with heroin strapped to their bodies.

The four allege the AFP acted illegally in tipping off Indonesian authorities about their alleged activities.

Today the court heard that the AFP wrote to Indonesian police on April 8 and 12, giving considerable information to assist in the investigation into the Australians.

The court heard the AFP also requested Indonesian police carry out surveillance of the alleged drug couriers.

One letter identified people suspected of importing narcotics from Bali to Australia, saying they would be carrying body packs containing white powder.

The letter states the group planned to import the drugs last December but cancelled its plan because of insufficient funds.

The lawyer for the four said the case raised serious issues about the legality of the federal police actions.

The four could face the death penalty if they are found guilty of drug trafficking.

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Pubdate: Mon, 07 November 2005
Source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation (Australia Web)
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