BY ILYA GRIDNEFF
AAP - A former television actor has pleaded not guilty
to possessing almost half a kilogram of marijuana on a sail boat surfing
charter to PNG.
Friends of the NSW men believe the quantity is closer
to 47 grams, claiming a recording error when local police weighed the alleged
stash at the Buka post office.
Perenti captain,
Queenslander Michael Northcote, 46, is waiting for a lawyer to fly from Port
Moresby before entering a plea.
PNG customs officers seized Mr Northcote's boat and
AAP understands customs and immigration infringements may follow.
The ‘Perenti Five’ were en route from the Solomon
Islands as part of RASTA, Real Adventure Surf Tours Australia. According to the
RASTA website, the Perenti has sailed the Pacific on surfing tours for
the past eight years.
The website advertises: "Sail aboard Perenti,
where you will find the surf of your dreams".
Since late last week, when the Buka court granted them
each K1,000 ($400) bail, they have been staying at a local hotel.
ALOYSIUS LAUKAI reports from Buka:
A case against five Australians charged with illegally
entering the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and having in their possession
the dangerous drug marijuana has been adjourned for the third time to allow
lawyer for the captain to arrive in Buka.
The men were arrested on board the yacht, Perenti,
in waters off Wakunai in central Bougainville.
No plea was entered and the court adjourned their case
to 9.30 am today.
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