Alleged drug trafficking kingpin Elie Khoury denied bail despite $30,000 surety offered up

The alleged ‘kingpin’ of an multimillion-dollar drug trafficking gang who laundered $4m through an online betting account has offered $30,000 for his release on bail.

The alleged “kingpin” of an multimillion-dollar drug trafficking gang has been unsuccessful in a bail attempt, despite a substantial cash surety being offered.

Elie Khoury, 34, is alleged to be the leader of a criminal organisation – of which police have so far found 11 alleged members – that trafficked in up to $20m of methamphetamine and cannabis and laundered similar amounts of money.

In the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Friday, Michael Abbott, QC, for Khoury, asked for Khoury to be released on home detention bail.

A police prosecutor opposed the application, due to Khoury’s likeliness to reoffend, as well as the possible interference with witnesses.

Khoury was arrested and charged following the arrest of Peter John Stevens – allegedly a member of the same gang – and his parents in October.

Police raided their property in Virginia in October and say they found a massive haul of drugs, illegal firearms and vehicles.

Alleged money laundering and drug king pin Elie Khoury was denied bail in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Friday. Image: Facebook

The court previously heard Khoury’s most recent alleged offending – for which he is facing charges of money laundering, drug trafficking and dishonestly dealing with property – occurred while he was on home detention and parole for a 2019 conviction.

Police also allege that Khoury, of Wynn Vale, laundered $4m – or about $100,000 a week – through an online betting account.

Mr Abbott told the court on Friday that while the allegations were serious, the evidence relied upon by prosecution was mainly from telephone intercepts.

700 videos were seized from Khoury’s phone and intercepted telephone calls dating back to November, 2019 are being transcribed by police.

“This case relies primarily on circumstantial evidence,” Mr Abbott said.

Magistrate Simon Smart replied that there was also CCTV footage of Khoury allegedly carrying bags of marijuana.

The court heard Khoury’s parents could offer a $10,000 cash surety and be guarantors for a further $20,000.

Mr Smart denied Khoury bail, due to the gravity of the circumstances and his risk of reoffending.