NSW: Arrest of alleged people smuggler

AAP General News (Australia)
08-22-1999
NSW: Arrest of alleged people smuggler

SYDNEY, Aug 22 AAP - The arrest of a Chinese seaman alleged to be the organiser of a people
smuggling operation, highlighted a closer official relationship between Australia and China,
Customs Minister Amanda Vanstone said.

The seaman was arrested in Sydney during a raid on a container ship in Botany Bay yesterday
morning.

Senator Vanstone said the crewman had been charged with offences under Section 233 of the
Migration Act.

Three stowaways were also arrested during the joint Australian Federal Police (AFP),
Customs and Immigration operation.

The arrests came soon after the ship docked after a voyage from China.

Senator Vanstone said the arrests were the result of better liaison between Australian,
Chinese and Hong Kong officials.

"Information was passed to the AFP indicating that three non-citizens were on board a
container vessel en route from China to Australia," she said.

"We are now taking the fight to combat illegal immigration back to source countries," she
said.

The alleged organiser, a crew member, will appear in Sydney Local Court on Monday.

A Department of Immigration spokesman said that if found guilty, he could face 10 years in
jail and a fine under new immigration provisions.

AAP jo/cjh

KEYWORD: STOWAWAYS DAYLEAD

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