SYDNEY, March 27 (Xinhua) -- A 57-year-old man is in custody on Wednesday after attempting to flee Australia on a jet ski.

The British national was wanted on drug-related charges when he left the country's northeast tip carrying additional fuel and supplies, attempting to cross the 150-km Torres Strait to Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Australian authorities were tipped off and gave chase, eventually apprehending the man less than 10 km from the PNG coast.

Local Torres Strait island councilors and community members helped the authorities to map possible routes through the area which assisted in the capture.

"This is a perfect example of local intelligence sharing, community support and our maritime capability, all working together to enable a quick and effective multi-agency response to a situation," Australian Border Force Commander Jo Crooks said.

Authorities said the man will be extradited back to Western Australia where he will face court.