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ABC News
ABC News
National
Carla Hildebrandt and Lia Harris 

NSW fugitive arrested after being found hiding in hull of yacht in Darwin

A NSW fugitive has been found after hiding below fuel tanks and pipes in the hull of a yacht destined to leave the country. 

Mark Horne, 32, was arrested by police on board a yacht in Darwin's Cullen Bay Marina, just two kilometres from the CBD, which is home to about 100 boats and yachts. 

Officers found the man after entering the boat to do a clearance check.

The yacht was due to leave the port on Wednesday afternoon. 

Detectives had been searching for Mr Horne for three months after he allegedly breached bail from south-west Sydney over charges of shooting a truck driver in 2020.  

Mr Horne was charged with a series of offences including kidnapping in company, robbery in company, discharging a firearm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and participating in a criminal group.

They believed he boarded a private aircraft from Bankstown to a regional airport, before heading to Queensland. 

NSW Police joined federal police, border force officers and NT Police to search airports and ports, with inquiries suggesting Mr Horne would try to flee to south-east Asia by sea.  

He was last spotted getting in a Hyundai Getz in Riverwood early on an October morning last year, which was seen heading westbound on the M5 Motorway. 

Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commander Central Command Erica Merrin said the arrest demonstrated how "organised crime has no borders".

Australian Border Force Commander Budhy Tanddo said the arrest showed how well different agencies work together to combat organised crime. 

"If you're breaking the law, there really is nowhere to hide," Commander Tandoo said. 

Mr Horne will face an extradition hearing in Darwin on Monday.

Two other men, aged 52 and 43, were also arrested and taken into custody.

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