Men linked to Mongols arrested in drug trafficking operation

One of two men with links to the Mongols bikies club has been refused bail today after a magistrate heard he allegedly boasted about continuing to deal while on bail.

Drugs seized by Queensland police.

Two alleged meth-dealing brothers with ties to the Mongols Outlaw Motorcycle Gang have been charged with trafficking and possessing dangerous drugs following a long-term police operation.

Trinidy Clifford Smith, 30, and Jonathon Colin Smith, 33, faced the Brisbane Magistrate Court on Friday charged with several offences including trafficking dangerous drugs and possessing dangerous drugs, namely methamphetamine.

33-year-old Jonathon Colin Smith of Aspley leaves Brisbane Watchhouse on Friday, March 12, 2021. Picture: Richard Walker

The men were arrested on Thursday following the execution of search warrants at properties in Loganlea, Aspley, and Deagon by detectives from the Organised Crime Gangs Group.

The court heard Loganlea man Trinidy was already on bail after police seized two kilograms worth of methamphetamine from apartments in Brisbane’s inner city in January.

Magistrate Robbie Davies said Trinidy was alleged to have “boasted about carrying on selling” while he had a police task force monitoring him.

Drugs seized by the Queensland police task force.

During a conversation with another man recorded on listening devices, Trinidy is alleged to have said that he was on bail and had a “15-man task force on him” but that “work has got to carry on”.

“It seems to me it’s a very strong case against him,” Magistrate Davies said.

Magistrate Davies refused Trinidy’s application for bail due to the serious nature of the charges and the “overwhelming risk” he may commit another offence.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Matt Kahler also argued against bail for Jonathon, claiming he was “fully involved with his brother in the distribution and movement of money and drugs”.

“He knows the customers, knows where they live, he picks up and leaves drugs at prearranged locations,” Sergeant Kahler said.

Drugs seized by Queensland police.

“His brother calls to advise him of money collection and the amounts.”

Sergeant Kahler also pointed to the Aspley man’s criminal history including five failure to appear charges.

But Magistrate Davies said Jonathon, who had not previously been charged with serious drug offences, was in a “completely different situation” to his brother.

He was granted bail on the condition he had no contact with his brother and reported to police three times a week.

Matters for both men were adjourned until April 19.

Drugs seized by Queensland police that led to today’s arrests.