Abdul El Masri and Nabil El Masri — brothers in alleged $5.8m ice bust — refused bail

Two brothers who were charged after police allegedly found more than 6kg of ice hidden in a car during a Mid North Coast traffic stop have been refused bail.

Two brothers who were charged after police allegedly found more than 6kg of ice hidden in a car during a Mid North Coast traffic stop have been refused bail.

Abdul El Masri, 48, and Nabil El Masri, 42, were arrested on the Pacific Highway in Kempsey at about 1.30am on Sunday morning after officers from the Raptor Squad - the NSW Police organised crime unit - allegedly found 6.5kg of methylamphetamine (ice) secreted in the car they were travelling in.

Police arrest one of the El Masri brothers after the alleged ice bust. Picture: NSW Police

The brothers were refused bail in Kempsey Local Court.

The court heard on Tuesday the drugs, which have a street value of almost $6 million, were vacuum-sealed and held in green Woolworths shopping bags. Police also allege the search of the two men and the car uncovered cash and a small amount of cocaine.

The men were taken to Kempsey police station and charged with large commercial drug supply and participating in a criminal group that contributed to criminal activity.

Abdul El-Masri was also charged with possessing a prohibited drug.

In requesting bail, the defence counsel Dymphna Hawkins offered $200,000 surety and said both of her clients would adhere to strict conditions if released.

The drugs were allegedly found vacuum-sealed in green shopping bags within a hidden compartment of the car. Picture: NSW Police.

A sum of cash was also allegedly uncovered. Picture: NSW Police.

The men were arrested and taken to Kempsey police station where they were charged. Picture: NSW Police.

Ms Hawkins told the court Abdul El Masri was a mechanical engineer and a carer for his wife and also was the main carer for four of his own children plus three others.

She said Nabil El Masri was a father of five and had not appeared before the court for matters other than traffic related offences.

A surety of $200,000 for each of the accused was offered with Ms Hawkins saying the “substantial sum” should satisfy the court. She told the court both men had solid links to their community.

Opposing bail, the police prosecutor told the court both men were a considerable flight risk and had presented police with inconsistent versions of why they were travelling to Queensland. He said police had allegedly uncovered an encrypted mobile phone and that the men had taken multiple short trips to Queensland in the past. The court heard the men had been under surveillance for some time by the Raptor Squad.

Police allege the drugs found have a street value of close to $6 million. Picture: NSW Police

Magistrate Scott Nash said if the men were found guilty they would face time in prison and said the bail conditions put forward by the defence were not sufficient.

“Alone, the ties to the community aren’t enough given the seriousness of the offences,” Magistrate Nash said.

“They’re not insignificant but, given the seriousness of the matter, the bail conditions offered aren’t enough.”

Magistrate Nash refused to grant bail to either brother.

“For the court to grant bail, it must be satisfied that the detention of the offenders is unsuitable,” he said. “On that basis alone, bail is refused.”

The brothers remain in custody on remand and will next face Kempsey Local Court on May 18.