JAIL RAID SUSPECT CAUGHT

A SUSPECTED member of an interstate drug syndicate plotting to raid
Queensland jails is expected to be charged after a police sting on the Gold
Coast.

Police interviewed a Sydney car salesman, the target of the weekend
operation, for several hours yesterday.

He was released but is expected to be charged with having aided three armed
robbers to escape from Borallon jail, west of Brisbane, in February.

It was the first major breakthrough for 60 police investigating an plot to
launch armed ground and air raids on Queensland jails.

Police suspect the syndicate planned the raids to free some of the
country's most dangerous prisoners.

The syndicate of four, including notorious armed robber Brendon Abbott,
planned to use stolen helicopters, explosives and high- powered weapons to
raid the jails.

The syndicate also is believed to be behind a threat to assassinate Prisons
Minister Russell Cooper and an unnamed Sydney businessman.

Under the plan, the Borallon escapees were to travel to Sydney to commit
robberies to buy weapons before committing the murders.

Police Assistant Commissioner Graham Williams said yesterday he was
satisfied with the progress of the investigation.

"Today's developments were a major breakthrough and investigations are
continuing," Mr Williams said.

"Police are taking this matter very seriously and Mr Cooper is still under
protection and of interest to this department."

Detectives, acting on a tip-off that the man was visiting the Gold Coast
for a romantic weekend, swooped on his motel room yesterday morning.

The man, who also is expected to be charged with a drug-related offence,
was believed to have supplied the escapees with electronic equipment after
meeting them through a Queensland prisoner.