Alleged Comanchero leader Mark Buddle accused of seized drug shipment

A senior Comanchero figure has faced court over an alleged plot to smuggle a $40 million shipment of cocaine into Melbourne.

A senior Comanchero figure accused of conspiring to import a $40m cocaine shipment into Australia has faced court.

Mark Buddle, 37, sat slouched with his arms crossed and wearing a bright red jumpsuit when he appeared briefly before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Thursday via video link.

He spoke once, saying “yes sir” when asked if he was able to hear discussions from the courtroom.

Mr Buddle stands accused of orchestrating the alleged importation of a 160kg shipment of cocaine into Melbourne in May 2021 while living abroad.

He was arrested in the self-declared republic of Northern Cyprus last year and extradited to Australia in August last year.

The Australian Federal Police allege Mark Buddle orchestrated a shipment of 160kg of cocaine seized in Melbourne in May, 2021. Picture: Australian Federal Police

A global arrest warrant for the alleged boss of the Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gang was issued after police allegedly seized the drugs, worth an estimated street value of $40m.

Court documents show Mr Buddle has been charged with one count of conspiracy to import a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug and one of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug.

Each carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if proven.

The Australian Federal Police will allege Mr Buddle co-ordinated the shipment with a transnational crime syndicate operating out of Asia and Europe.

He was extradited to Australia to face the charges after his arrest by Turkish authorities.

Mark Buddle, Australia's most wanted bikie, first faced court in August last year following his extradition. Mollie McPherson/NCA NewsWire

In court, his lawyer Christopher Farrington asked for the matter to be adjourned until September 18 to link up with other people arrested during the Operation Ironside sting.

Ironside is the Australian name given to an international FBI-led sting that allegedly provided underworld figures with encrypted devices.

The devices, installed with an app named AN0M, allowed law enforcement to monitor communication in real time.

Following the extradition, AFP Assistant Commissioner Nigel Ryan said police had been working to build a brief of evidence against Mr Buddle since 2021.

“Australians who think they can hide offshore in perceived safe haven … take this as a warning,” he said.

“The AFP will be relentless in pursuing you, we are dedicated and we are focused.

“When it comes to this alleged offender, we have been patient and thorough, and we have done what the AFP does best – we have used our capability, intelligence and international networks to ensure we have a warrant and a finalised brief of evidence.”

Mr Buddle did not apply for bail and was remanded into custody ahead of his next appearance on March 18.

Originally published as Alleged Comanchero leader Mark Buddle accused of seized drug shipment