Mariosarti owner Daniel Milos arrested on drugs charges
UPDATE: High-profile restaurateur Daniel Milos, whose brother was bludgeoned to death three years ago, has today faced court after being arrested in one of Queensland’s biggest cocaine hauls.
Crime & Justice
Don't miss out on the headlines from Crime & Justice. Followed categories will be added to My News.
HIGH-profile restaurateur Daniel Milos, whose brother was bludgeoned to death three years ago, was today granted bail after being arrested yesterday in one of Queensland’s biggest cocaine hauls.
When leaving Brisbane Magistrates Court this morning Milos said it would be “business as usual” at his award-winning Toowong restaurant Mariosarti and vowed to fight the charges against him.
“I will be contesting these charges vigorously,” he told reporters.
Milos, 40, appeared before Brisbane Magistrates Court a day after a string of raids netted up to $1 million worth of drugs and expensive cars.
Accused cocaine trafficker Daniel Milos says it will be "business as usual" at his restaurant tonight. @couriermail pic.twitter.com/qxvOgsrJLu
— Emmaline Stigwood (@normalemm) April 22, 2017
He is facing 10 counts of supplying drugs, one count of trafficking, one count each of of money laundering and permitting use of place, and one count of drug possession.
Police on Friday would not say whether the money laundering charge related to his restaurant Mariosarti.
Lunchtime diners at Mariosarti on Friday arrived to find the restaurant swarming with police.
The raid was one of nearly a dozen carried out across Brisbane, Logan and the Gold Coast.
At the same time, police swooped on five people they allege are behind a sophisticated drug network pedalling cocaine and ice.
Head chef Ryan McIver, 29, was also arrested along with three other people. McIver was also granted bail in court this morning. He is facing one charge of trafficking and three counts of supplying drugs.
The raids followed a major multi-agency investigation involving the Queensland Police Service and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.
Police alleged they seized $750,000 of drugs.
“As a result of investigations, police targeted a prominent Brisbane businessman,” Detective Superintendent Jon Wacker said.
“This is one of the highest (value) cocaine busts in Queensland,” he said.
Police said four people had been charged.
Lawyer Adam Magill, representing McIver, said he had spoken briefly with his client before making an application for bail in the Brisbane Magistrates Court today.
“I can confirm I’ve spoken to my client and he is in the best spirits one can be in for someone in his position,” he said yesterday.
McIver and Milos were both granted bail. Police did not oppose bail and both were released on condition they only contact each other for work purposes.
Milos’ barrister Allistair McDougall argued that imposing a bail condition preventing contact would result in either Mariosarti’s closure or McIver losing his job. Outside court, Milos’ solicitor Adam Dwyer indicated his client would fight the charge.
“This has been a very stressful experience for everyone concerned, my client, his family,” he said.
“We are only at the beginning, the police have given us very little detail at this stage.” The pair are due to reappear on May 8.
Daniel’s brother Peter was murdered in 2014 at the Morningside house where he was staying. Peter was house-sitting for a friend when he was beaten to death with a hammer and spirit level.
There is no suggestion Milos was involved in his brother’s death.
‘You’ve lost two licences, and you’re only a learner’
A learner driver copped an earful from an Ipswich magistrate over his astonishing accumulation of demerit points.
‘Night beautiful’: Mum accused of attempted murder
A mum accused of trying to murder her four-year-old daughter - by 'gassing' her in a car - has been sentenced for breaching her bail conditions by spending time with the girl.