Police arrest alleged Melbourne drug king pin before several raids

UPDATE: AN accused drug kingpin found with ice and $45,000 in cash has been bailed to live at his limousine business instead of his housing commission flat.

Artist impression of alleged drug Kingpin Sukru Akbulut. credit: Nine news.

• Drug dealers ply trade on Richmond streets

AN accused drug kingpin found with ice and $45,000 in cash has been bailed to live at his limousine business instead of his housing commission flat.

Sukru Akbulut, 51, appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court charged with multiple counts of drug trafficking and possession, as well as possessing an illegal handgun and ammunition and proceeds of crime.

And, despite police saying Mr Akbulut was considered an extreme risk to the community, magistrate Kay Robertson said police did not have “the strongest case in the world”.

Police Critical Incident Response Team members leave flats in Carlton. Picture: Tony Gough

Defence lawyer Charles Nikakis said his client “totally ­denies” the charges.

“The newspapers made out that he was the biggest trafficker the country has ever seen,” Mr Nikakis told the court.

Police believed the man used his Tullamarine limousine business, Thunder Limos, as a front after raids discovered 55 grams of suspected drugs including speed and ice, $45,000 in cash, small scales and ziplock bags.

They argued extensive surveillance showed Mr Akbulut resided in his business rather than his housing commission home in Carlton.

It comes after the Herald Sun revealed that the Tullamarine man was one of six people charged after police raided properties in Carlton, Tullamarine, Balwyn North and St Kilda.

The Dog squad arrive at the Carlton flats. Picture: Tony Gough

Residents near the Carlton housing commission flats say police used chainsaws to break into heavily fortified apartments.

A 39-year-old man arrested over an outstanding warrant has been granted bail. He was charged with drug possession after police allegedly found three small bags of prohibited drugs inside his apartment.

A shotgun cartridge was also found in the lounge room, police said.

Detectives prepare to enter flats in Carlton. Picture: Tony Gough

Ms Robertson approved bail on the condition that Mr Akbulut reports to police twice a week in Broadmeadows, does not leave his premises between 10pm and 6am and puts up $10,000 surety.

“These are serious charges ... but it’s not the strongest case in the world,” Ms Robertson said.

She said the quantities of drugs were a concern but were not “commercial quantities”.

Mr Akbulut is due to return to the court on March 3.

A police officer keeps watch at the Carlton flats. Picture: Tony Gough

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