Peter Stevens denied bail, part of Elie Khoury drug trafficking gang as Ezeddinn Minaoui varied bail

The 2IC of Elie Khoury’s (pictured) alleged $20m drug cartel has been recorded talking about “getting rid” of a witness set to give evidence against them, police allege.

An alleged drug trafficker was heard on surveillance tapes talking with the gang’s kingpin about getting rid of another member to prevent them giving evidence, police allege.

Peter John Stevens, 35, applied for bail by video link in the Adelaide Magistrates Court last week, alleged to be the second in charge of a significant cannabis trafficking enterprise.

A police prosecutor opposed the bail application, saying there is footage of Stevens allegedly reloading a semi-trailer involved in the operation.

“When the truck is intercepted, there is a large commercial quantity of cannabis on board and a large amount of cash,” the police prosecutor said.

Stevens is alleged to be part of a gang run by accused “kingpin” Elie Khoury – of which police have so far found 11 alleged members – that laundered up to $20m and trafficked in similar amounts of cannabis and methamphetamine.

Alleged money laundering and drug kingpin Elie Khoury. Image: Facebook

Peter Stevens’ Virginia property was raised by police last year. Picture: SAPOL

Stevens is alleged to have been Khoury’s 2IC.

His Virginia property was raided by police last year, where police allegedly found illegal firearms, drugs and vehicles.

Stevens is charged with drug trafficking and money laundering.

He is yet to enter any pleas.

“The police are undertaking a considerable amount of work in respect to telephone intercepts which involve Mr Stevens and Mr Khoury primarily,” the police prosecutor said.

‘What perhaps is really concerning, is that as part of the intercepts the police intercepted a discussion between Mr Stevens and Mr Khoury about two others involved.”

The court heard the men’s co-accused who had “relatively minor” roles in the alleged enterprise would be giving evidence about Khoury and Stevens.

“Mr Stevens, Mr Khoury and another male discuss their suspicion of this and they discuss getting rid of them,” the police prosecutor said.”

“So the charges are serious … we have two witnesses who will be giving evidence against their former confederates.”

Scott Laidlaw, for Stevens, told the court Stevens had not yet been charged with the new allegations.

Peter Stevens’ Virginia property was raised by police last year and property including cars, motorcycles and illegal firearms were seized. Picture: SAPOL

“It’s not established that it was Mr Stevens, it’s not established that those words were the words uttered,” he said.

“There’s background noise, there’s multiple people talking.”

The court heard Stevens was a small-business owner prior to being taken into custody.

“His partner is struggling significantly with the day-to-day care of their five children,” Mr Laidlaw said.

“The surveillance material certainly does show that there is a truck being loaded with cannabis but Mr Stevens is never seen on that footage.

“Mr Khoury is certainly seen, other members of the enterprise are certainly seen – members which currently have bail in respect to these charges.”

Magistrate Elizabeth Sheppard denied Stevens bail.

In the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday, Ezeddinn Minaoui, 36, who is alleged to be a senior member of the criminal syndicate applied to have his bail varied.

Counsel, for Minaoui asked for the condition that he couldn’t have contact with his brother, Abdul Minaoui – who is also charged – to be deleted.

Magistrate David McLeod granted the variation.

All co-accused’s charges have been adjourned until August.