Strangest thing is the complete lack of news about this case. Especially after the AFP released their action movie style video of the bust at Monto to the news media. Drone footage complete with fancy editing of the AFP officers all dressed in their black combat pyjamas swarming over the aircraft and arresting the five ageing lard arses involved. Who brings a team of professional videographers to a drug bust?

Drama, drama, drama, the PR coup of the year and then total silence, not a peep. Something ain’t right.

By the way, what’s happened to the Baron, is it still in Monto?

Getting their ducks in a row before the trial?

4WD and Avgas trailer are long gone but the Baron still sits in the corner of the apron at Monto, ferry tank in situ.

CL,
Are you at Monto? any chance of a pic of the aircraft? do we knows its Aussie rego, what type of ferry tank? or Jerry cans?
any more info?
Cheers,

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....2c2a377b51.png
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....1973dcef74.png

These shots just off Google Maps. Not necessarily the same plane but a bit of a coincidence perhaps.

These shots just off Google Maps. Not necessarily the same plane but a bit of a coincidence perhaps.

So, you can confirm that it does have ferry tank installed? Wonder who did the plumbing?

Yes, the ferry tanks are still installed. Large black bladders just sitting in the back between the cargo net and pilot seats.

Both VH-BKA and VH-HFY, both at one point operated by or been in the hands of a certain operator at Redcliffe aerodrome, both involved in drug smuggling ops...?

Phew… at last. Well that puts my conspiracy theory to bed. Thank you.

Kundry you are being unfair to 'a certain operator'. As far as I know the Aerostar (HFY) was never on the books. I think it had some maintenance completed there. The Baron (BKA) was used for training but sold on to a new operator who then did the drug run. Conspiracy theories don't do 'a certain operator' any favours and are unwarranted.

Out of interest I witnessed the arrest of the Aerostar miscreants. The aircraft circled the field which I thought was unusual and then after landing parked next to me on the grass. The boys and girls of blue appeared from nowhere in unmarked black SUV's and quickly surrounded the aircraft. Within minutes they were all zip tied and sitting under the wing looking a little dejected. Pretty obvious a tip off somewhere.

Interesting to see the aircraft of choice, both fast but neither can outrun a phone call.