Gilles Plains father Frank Migliarese refused bail over serious alleged drug trafficking charges
A father accused of involvement in a “major” commercial drug trafficking operation which netted a variety of drugs – including a 3kg block of methamphetamine - has been denied release on bail.
Police & Courts
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A father of three accused of a large scale drug trafficking operation – including the transport of a 3kg block of methamphetamine - has been refused release on bail.
During raids on properties linked to Frank Migliarese, 45, of Gilles Plains after another man was allegedly stopped while transporting the block of methamphetamine in Tailem Bend, police allege they found further amounts of different types of drugs, paraphernalia, tick lists and deal bags.
In the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Tuesday, Magistrate Kym Millard refused Mr Migliarese release on bail citing the seriousness of the allegations.
“In all the circumstances the evidence against Mr Migliarese is so concerning, on the prosecution case, that the presumption of bail has been displaced,” he said.
“I respectfully agree. The application for bail is refused.”
Mr Migliarese’s supporters, who were present in the body of the court, began sobbing when Mr Millard announced his decision.
The court has previously heard police allegedly found 14g of cocaine, a suitcase containing 4000 MDMA pills, about 4L of liquid methamphetamine and $35,000 in cash in the white BMW stopped at Tailem Bend.
The driver of the BMW, a 48-year-old Sellicks Beach man, has also been arrested.
On Tuesday, Mr Millard said a check of the BMW driver’s phone led police to Mr Migliarese. A subsequent search of Mr Migliarese’s business premises allegedly uncovered $87,690 in cash and drug equipment including 67 ballast boxes and 71 lamp shades in a shipping container.
Mr Millard said a number of mobile phones were also seized. At Mr Migliarese’s home, police also allege they found $18,700, cannabis and ammunition in a chest of draws in the carport.
“It’s the prosecution position that the large number of phones located and the various other items found support an operation of a drug trafficking business of not insignificant value,” he said.
“These are very serious trafficking offences and all of the evidence to date suggests that this is a major commercial operation,” the Magistrate said of the allegations.
Mr Millard said Mr Migliarese had told the court he suffered from a number of health conditions which could be compromised in prison, and that his family would suffer if he were to remain in custody.
Mr Millard said he was not persuaded those conditions were so compelling to outweigh the prosecution concerns.
He remanded Mr Migliarese, who is yet to enter pleas to multiple alleged drug offences including traffic in a large commercial quantity of a controlled drug and money laundering, in custody until his next appearance in July.
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