Matthew Battah, Benjamin Pitt: Alleged faces behind massive drug syndicate to fight charges

Two men accused of heading up one of the country’s biggest drug syndicates will fight the accusations in court.

Two men accused of heading up one of the country’s biggest drug syndicates have pleaded not guilty to all charges following their extradition from Dubai and will now fight the accusations in court.

Matthew Battah, 37, and Benjamin Pitt, 39, were brought back to Australia in September to face charges for their part in allegedly conspiring to import a $150 million haul of drugs.

NewsLocal previously reported how police allege the duo have links to the Lone Wolf bikie gang and were involved in the importation of ice, MDMA and cannabis in 2013 and 2014.

Dubai Police arrest notice for Battah. Picture: Dubai Police

Battah and Pitt, who have identical charges, have both pleaded not guilty as a mammoth trial now awaits.

Both are charged with a raft of drug import and trafficking offences, including three counts of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, trafficking drugs of a commercial quantity, conspiracy, and dealing with property proceeds of crime of more than $1 million.

A Dubai Police arrest notice for Pitt. Picture: Dubai Police

In total across the charges, 15 other people are co-accused – indicating the alleged scale of the operation – as well as divers, court documents show.

Savas Guven, also known as Savas Yucel, is listed as a co-accused in the import and trafficking charges.

Both Battah and Pitt remain in custody and will appear via videolink on September 2 for an arraignment.