Major SA drug bust: Alleged kingpin Matthew Newall remanded in custody

The alleged kingpin of an intrastate drug enterprise will remain in custody into next year as a magistrate questioned why $1.3m in cash was allegedly delivered directly to his house.

The strength of the case against the alleged kingpin of an intrastate drug enterprise will keep him behind bars on remand until at least April, a court has heard.

North Haven man Matthew James Newall’s application on Tuesday to be released on bail was denied, with Magistrate Paul Foley saying it was “hard to fathom” why he had $1.3m cash for anything “legitimate”.

During the application, made by Mr Newall’s lawyer Jon Lister, further details about the staggering scale of the alleged drug syndicate were aired in court.

Police prosecutor John Payne told the court investigations – part of a 12-month operation by SA Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Branch – allegedly found Mr Newall received $1,339,682 between February 7 and November 14 this year via deliveries to his house.

The court heard those deliveries were intercepted by police, counted, and then monitored. The same process was followed for 30 parcels full of cash.

Drug bust accused Matt Newall. Picture: Facebook

A Mercedes G-Wagon seized by police during a major drug bust which saw Matt Newall arrested. Picture: SAPOL

Cash seized during the raids. Picture: SAPOL

Mr Foley said the case against Mr Newall appeared “strong” and questioned what reason he would have to receive cash in amounts often greater than $20,000, and on one occasion more than $100,000.

“It’s hard to fathom what the legitimate purpose for all of that would have been,” he said.

Mr Newall was arrested last week as part of a major drug bust which saw police seize 200 kilograms of dried cannabis, luxury cars and $370,000.

He was charged alongside his partner in a Gawler barber business, Nick Rehmann, 32, and Golden Grove father Steve Jadon, 30.

Mr Rehmann and Mr Jadon were on Monday granted home detention bail in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court.

Police alleged the trio, and five other people who are yet to face court, were involved in a drug syndicate spanning from SA to NSW and Queensland.

Nick Rehmann is one of eight men arrested. Picture: TikTok

Steven Jadon is one of eight men arrested. Picture: TikTok

The Port Adelaide Magistrates Court, where Mr Newall was appearing, heard he had previously spent time in NSW, including under the watch of NSW Police.

The court also heard further details about the business network Mr Newall was responsible for in South Australia.

Mr Lister told the court his client, in addition to chain barber group Lagers and Barbers, was the owner of health services business and growing fitness enterprise Recovery Hub.

Lagers and Barbers has three locations in Gepps Cross, Gawler and Semaphore while Recovery Hub operates at Mawson Lakes and Glenelg.

Mr Newall, the court heard, was eager to get back to his business empire and his father was willing to lodge a $10,000 cash surety to make that happen.

“He’s most anxious to be able to resume the conduct of his business whilst on home detention, which he will be able to do,” Mr Lister said.

“He has ongoing financial commitments which he’s most anxious to fulfil.”

Mr Foley, however, was unmoved, and remanded Mr Newall in custody until April.