Manaia Milo: Alleged senior Black Power biker faces drug charges

A man police accuse of being a Black Power bikie gang member allegedly sold drugs and guns to an undercover cop from his Melton home.

A man police accuse of being a high-ranking New Zealand bikie gang member is behind bars after he was allegedly caught selling drugs and a gun to an undercover cop from his Melton home.

Manaia Milo, 28, appeared in Sunshine Magistrates Court on Wednesday for a bail application after he was arrested last month following a seven-month covert operation by Victoria Police’s bikie-busting Echo Taskforce.

Police allege Mr Milo is cousins with former Rebels president Ray Elise and Black Power president Matthew ‘Mateo’ Elise who were both deported last year.

Detective Senior Constable Halyey Blythe said he was a patched member of Black Power street gang which allegedly “seeded” members to the Rebels.

“The gang is a syndicate utilised by the Rebels to traffic guns, drugs of dependence and commit violent crimes as a way to dominate the current divisions in street gangs,” she said.

“The accused is considered a high-ranking member due to his family relations.”

She said the Rebels had been “actively” recruiting Pacific Islander and Polynesian males recently, which is allegedly linked to an increase in violent crimes including aggravated home invasions, drive-by shootings and large-scale drug trafficking across Melbourne.

Rebels bikie boss Ray Elise (Right), pictured here with associates, was deported last year after Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton cancelled his visa on character grounds.

It is alleged Echo Taskforce launched an investigation in the Melton area in February this year, with undercover officers making contact with Mr Milo on February 11 to buy 453g of cannabis.

Over the following months, they allegedly met with Mr Milo or his co-accused Trent Padley on five occasions purchasing cannabis, cocaine and a bolt-action long-arm firearm.

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

He was arrested on August 20 and charged with 13 charges relating to the trafficking of drugs and possession of weapons.

In court, Mr Milos lawyer Alex Cini said it may take years before his client could face trial necessitating that he receive bail.

“He’s mother is prepared to offer a $5000 surety and conditions could be imposed that reduce his risk of reoffending,” he said.

The bail application ran over it’s allocated time and was adjourned by Magistrate Jennifer Grubissa who said she would hear the remaining arguments in October.

Mr Milo was remanded into police custody until that date.