Accused cocaine kingpin ordered to surrender handprints

Rex Martinich |

A judge has dismissed an accused cocaine smuggling ringleader’s bid to block being fingerprinted.
A judge has dismissed an accused cocaine smuggling ringleader’s bid to block being fingerprinted.

Police attempts to finger the alleged ringleader of a botched 900-kilogram cocaine import by using his handprints and an encrypted group chat have been given the green light.

Daniel Wayne John Roberts was arrested in Brisbane’s northern suburbs in April 2024 on seven charges relating to importation of commercial quantities of drugs.

Australian Federal Police alleged the 37-year-old was behind the bungled cocaine importation off Queensland’s Moreton Island in November 2023 that led to bricks of the drug washing up on NSW beaches.

Some of washed up cocaine bricks (file)
Bricks of cocaine were washed up on NSW beaches after a bungled importation off Moreton Island. (HANDOUT/NSW POLICE)

Federal Court Justice Kylie Downes on Monday dismissed Roberts’ move to block a forensic procedure order that police alleged would prove his links to encrypted group chat messages.

Queensland Deputy Chief Magistrate Anthony Gett in October 2024 ordered Roberts to have his fingerprints and handprints taken by the AFP and the Queensland Police.

“(Roberts) is alleged by the prosecution to have used an encrypted messaging application in the course of the alleged offending,” Justice Downes stated.

“An aspect of the circumstantial evidence relied upon is a high-definition image of a hand which was sent to a group chat.”

A fingerprint examiner advised police that a new print of Roberts’ palm, in addition to his fingerprints taken when arrested, would allow a further comparison.

The Queensland Supreme Court previously was told Roberts was the Australian head of a transnational organised crime organisation.

Prosecutors said Roberts used the name of notorious American gangster John Dillinger and “Wanted” in encrypted messages.

Block of cocaine washed up in NSW (file)
Daniel Roberts is accused of being involved in importing almost two tonnes of cocaine. (HANDOUT/NSW POLICE)

Police also alleged Roberts played a significant role in importing almost two tonnes of cocaine in three ventures with an estimated total street value of $683 million.

Roberts refused to consent to a handprint procedure, which has yet to be performed.

Justice Downes found Roberts’ case did not meet the threshold of exceptional circumstances required for her to overturn Mr Gett’s order.

“The proposed forensic procedure ordered by the magistrate is minimally invasive,” Justice Downes stated.

Roberts was ordered to pay the legal costs of Mr Gett and a police officer.

His criminal charges are due to be mentioned in Brisbane Magistrates Court in May.

AAP