Manaia Milo: Alleged Black Power biker behind bars after undercover sting

Police say an alleged high-ranking bikie is an “unnaceptable risk” to the Melton community after he was busted selling drugs.

An accused Black Power gang member has been denied bail and labelled an “unacceptable risk to the community” after he was allegedly busted selling drugs and a gun during an undercover sting.

Manaia Milo was arrested at his Melton home on August 20 following a seven month covert operation by detectives from the anti-gang Echo Taskforce in response to increased gang-related violence in Melbourne’s west.

It’s alleged the 28-year-old is a high-ranking member of the Black Power street gang, a syndicate of the Rebels outlaw motorcycle gang used to traffic drugs and commit violent crimes.

Detective Senior Constable Halyey Blythe told the court detectives from Echo Taskforce were in contact with Mr Milo using the encrypted messaging application Wickr when he offered to sell them drugs.

They allegedly met with Mr Milo or his co-accused Trent Padley on six occasions between February and May to purchase cannabis, cocaine and a bolt-action firearm.

During the sale he allegedly told officers the gun was “really dirty and hot”, leading investigators to believe it had been used in violent crimes.

Det-Sen. Constable Blythe said Mr Milo was a cousin of former Rebels president Ray Elise and Black Power president Matthew ‘Mateo’ Elise who were both deported to New Zealand last year.

Detectives from the Echo Taskforce seized drugs, cash and weapons and arrested four men including Manaia Milo as part of an operation targeting the Black Power Outlaw Motorcycle Gang.

She said due to the family connection police formed the view he was a “high-ranking patched member” of the gang.

“Given his alleged links to a criminal gang, it is extremely concerning he has (allegedly) significant access to firearms,” she said.

“If given bail, police hold concerns he will continue to offend.”

Mr Milo reappeared in Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday via videolink from prison to learn the outcome of his bail application after spending 47 days in custody.

His lawyer, Alex Cini, argued that this was Mr Milo’s first time in custody and strict conditions including a $5000 surety, could reduce the risk he would engage in criminal behaviour.

“His partner is due to give birth to their second child in November,” he said. “He wants to be there for them.”

He was denied bail by magistrate Jenifer Grubissa, who said she held “grave concerns” he may offend if bail was granted.

“There is an inherent seriousness to these charges,” she said.

“A return to your (Melton) address would not be sufficient to ameliorate the risk of you endangering the safety of the community.”

Mr Milo will next appear in the same court on October 19.