A 44-year-old man who escaped lawful custody last week is due to appear in Darwin Local Court today after being recaptured following a five-day police operation.

The man, a member of the Mongols Outlaw Motorcycle Gang, had been before the courts following a Gangs Taskforce investigation for alleged large-scale drug supply across Darwin and East Arnhem Land, as well as serious firearm offences.

Police allege a search warrants on properties connected with the man, uncovered a .22 calibre semi-automatic pistol, cocaine and heroin.

He was arrested at the scene and charged as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged supply of commercial quantities of methamphetamine in Darwin and commercial quantities of cannabis in East Arnhem Land on behalf of the Mongols Outlaw Motorcycle Gang. Police allege the offending occurred following his release from prison in September 2025.

The man escaped from G4S custody at the Darwin courthouse on Friday, triggering a multi-unit manhunt involving Fugitive Taskforce, Gang Taskforce, Strike Force Trident and the Dog Operations Unit.

Over the following days, police conducted inquiries, searched multiple locations and targeted known associates believed to be assisting the fugitive. Those efforts resulted in seven arrests, including a 26-year-old man who has since been charged with aiding and abetting.

Yesterday afternoon, information received by police led officers to Durack, where the man was sighted. Upon seeing police, he allegedly fled on foot towards nearby bushland along Chung Wah Terrace in Palmerston.

Police Patrol Dog Cheeko and his handler tracked the man through the area before he was apprehended and arrested with assistance from Strike Force Trident members.

At the time of his arrest, police allege the man was in possession of a traffickable quantity of methamphetamine, a butterfly knife and cash.

He has since been charged with additional offences, including escaping lawful custody, possessing a prohibited drug and possessing a prohibited weapon.

Detective Sergeant Kenneth Bradshaw acknowledged the determination of the officers involved in the operation.

"This has been a significant effort by police, who have worked around the clock to locate this offender," Detective Sergeant Bradshaw said.

"He was actively avoiding police and receiving assistance while on the run, but our members remained relentless in their pursuit.

"This man had no place on our streets. I want to acknowledge the outstanding work of all officers involved and thank members of the community who provided information and support throughout the investigation."

Media note: Body worn video is available upon request.