The police investigation into a failed cocaine smuggling operation has intensified with a court ruling allowing law enforcement to collect fingerprints and handprints from alleged ringleader Daniel Wayne John Roberts. Arrested in Brisbane’s northern suburbs in April 2024, Roberts faces multiple charges related to the importation of significant amounts of illegal drugs.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) claim that the 37-year-old was the mastermind behind an unsuccessful cocaine importation attempt off Moreton Island in Queensland in November 2023. This incident resulted in bricks of cocaine washing ashore along New South Wales beaches. A federal judge has dismissed Roberts’ appeal to block the forensic procedure aimed at establishing his connection with encrypted messages linked to the smuggling operation. Justice Kylie Downes ruled that the evidence, including a high-resolution image of a hand shared in an encrypted group chat, warranted the fingerprinting.
In October 2024, Queensland Deputy Chief Magistrate Anthony Gett had already mandated that Roberts provide his fingerprints and handprints for the investigation. Justice Downes noted that Roberts allegedly communicated through an encrypted messaging application during the alleged crimes. A forensic fingerprint expert indicated that obtaining additional prints would greatly assist in comparing known fingerprints taken at the time of Roberts’ arrest.
The Queensland Supreme Court previously indicated that Roberts was believed to lead a transnational organised crime syndicate. Prosecutors further alleged that Roberts had used names associated with infamous American gangsters in his encrypted communications, showcasing a penchant for theatrics in his messaging.
Roberts is also implicated in three separate cocaine importation endeavours, with the total street value estimated at a staggering $683 million, indicating his substantial role in the drug trade. He has resisted consenting to the handprint collection, which is yet to take place. The court found that his arguments did not meet the exceptional criteria necessary to overturn the magistrate’s order, reinforcing the minimally invasive nature of the proposed procedure.
Consequently, Roberts was directed to cover legal costs associated with the magistrate’s ruling and the police officer involved. His criminal charges are slated for mention in May at the Brisbane Magistrates Court, where further developments in this high-profile case are expected.