Peter John Stevens, alleged gang 2IC, faces court for money laundering
A drug gang that allegedly laundered $20 million dollars tried to destroy evidence, a court has heard, as its “second-in-command” faces court.
North & North East
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A massive drug trafficking gang tried to destroy evidence, a court has heard, as it was revealed its alleged second-in-command was arrested for money laundering earlier this year.
The criminal organisation is also now alleged to have links to New South Wales.
Prosecutor John Mattner on Wednesday told the Adelaide Magistrates Court that Peter John Stevens, 34, was involved in laundering $142,500 earlier this year.
Mr Mattner told the court Stevens was stopped by police in May and found with the money hidden in his car.
He has been charged with knowingly engaging in money laundering and unlawful possession of the money.
Stevens is alleged to be part of a gang run by accused “kingpin” Elie Khoury, which police suspect has laundered up to $20 million and trafficked in similar amounts of cannabis and methamphetamine.
Stevens is alleged to have been Khoury’s 2IC.
His Virginia property was raided by police earlier this month, where police allegedly found illegal firearms, drugs and vehicles.
Stevens, who has been in custody since the raid, has since been charged with one count of participating in a criminal organisation and four firearms related charges.
Mr Mattner also said the gang had attempted to destroy electronic evidence.
He said police had to send laptops and mobile phones to the Australian Federal Police in Canberra in an effort to “reconstruct” the evidence.
Mr Mattner previously told the court police had to sift through 700 videos found on Khoury’s phone.
He also said there was a co-accused in NSW and the gang had been sending money to the state and vice versa.
Magistrate Simon Smart refused to set a charge determination date mid-next year because it would be “manifestly unfair” to keep Stevens in custody for that long.
Khoury last week lost a bid in the Supreme Court to be allowed out on home detention bail.
He is alleged to have laundered $4 million through an online betting account and faces charges of money laundering, drug trafficking and dishonestly dealing with property
Stevens will return to court in December.
