Australian yacht crew on PNG drug charges

Liam Fox, Port Moresby

Last Updated: Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:35:00 +1100

Five Australians tourists have been arrested in Papua New Guinea after police allege they found nearly half a kilogram of marijuana on their yacht.

Police searched the 18-metre yacht, Perenti, off the coast of Bougainville last Friday after receiving a tip-off from locals.

They allegedly found 470 grams of marijuana in one of the cabins.

The five Australian men on board are aged in their 30s and 40s.

Each has been charged with one count of possessing a dangerous drug.

Police declined to release their names.

The maximum penalty for the offence is 18 months jail.

They were released on bail after appearing in court on Monday afternoon and the case was adjourned until Thursday.

Police say the men had sailed from the Solomon Islands and Customs officials are also investigating their arrival in PNG waters.