Skipper in court on drug charges

The owner and skipper of a luxury Kimberley cruise ship charged with drug dealing after police raided his vessel appeared in court yesterday

Jeff Douglas Ralston, 55, appeared in Broome Magistrate’s Court charged with possession of a prohibited drug (methamphetamine) with intent to sell or supply and possession of drug paraphernalia in or on which there was a prohibited drug or plant.

Broome detectives flew to the East Kimberley and executed a search warrant on the Kimberley Quest II at the Port of Wyndham on April 11.

Police will allege a number of clip seal bags containing methamphetamine weighing about 28g and other drug paraphernalia were found in the cabin area of the vessel.

Officers from Kununurra, Wyndham and the Northern Territory were involved with the raid, including the WA Department of Transport.

A drug dog was involved in the search.

Magistrate Steve Sharratt told Mr Ralston the more serious offence had to be heard in front of a judge and jury, and adjourned the matter for a committal mention hearing.

Mr Ralston pleaded not guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia.

Mr Ralston was bailed to appear in Broome District Court on July 22.