Sydney home of Hells Angels president raided over drug ring

Police raided the waterfront Sydney home of Hells Angels national president Angelo Pandeli, as part of an investigation­ into a multi­million-dollar drug importation. The raid is part of an investigation into an alleged failed bid to use a small plane to import more than $250 million worth of ice into Australia.

Police yesterday raided the waterfront Sydney home of Hells Angels national president Angelo Pandeli, as part of an investigation­ into a multi­million-dollar drug importation.

Pandeli, 47, is considered one the most powerful men in the outlaw motorcycle gang hierarchy in Australia but spends most of his time overseas.

No charges have been laid against Pandeli and he is believed­ to be currently out of the country.

Police raided the home of Hells Angels national president Angelo Pandeli. Picture: Monique Harmer

He was not at the Darling Island Rd, Pyrmont­ apartment when federal police swooped.

The raid is part of an investigation into an alleged failed bid to use a small plane to import more than $250 million worth of ice into Australia. US Drug Enforcement Agency officers seized the plane and drugs before it took off from California last year.

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Federal police also confiscated $2.4 million cash found in a prime mover in Mildura, which they allege was connected to the importation.

Angelo Pandeli is believed to be out of the country.

A 72-year-old accountant with a pilot’s licence was arrested in Melbourne before he was to head to the US. Police allege the plane was to deliver the drugs, to be sold in Sydney and Melbourne. Most of the interior of the six-seater light plane had been removed.

More than a dozen federal officers spent most of the afternoon in the apartment and left with boxes of papers and computer equipment.

Pandeli’s waterfront home was raided yesterday. Picture: Monique Harmer

Pandeli rose through the ranks of the Hells Angels in South Australia, where he soon became the boss of the most famous­ of bikie gangs.

In 2006 he set up the Sydney city chapter and his power grew before taking over as national president after former boss Felix Lyle was jailed.

“He keeps a low profile but is considered one of the major players in the bikie gang scene, not just in Australia but on the world scene,’’ a senior police officer­ said.

US Drug Enforcement Agency officers seized the plane and drugs before it took off from California last year.

A small plane was to be used to import more than $250 million worth of ice into Australia.

Pandeli was a high-profile target of the Australian Taxation Office blitz on outlaw motor cycle gangs and was charged with failing to lodge his tax returns — however, his accountant­ took the blame for failing lodge the return due to a computer error and Pandeli was cleared without conviction or penalty.

Police left with boxes of papers and computer equipment. Picture: Monique Harmer