Jim Soukoulis skips bail while awaiting trial for drug trafficking
A man accused of organising an international drug trafficking shipment has fled the state while on bail, despite being released in 2017 on a $900,000 security bond.
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An accused international ice trafficking plotter has turned fugitive, putting his mother’s house in jeopardy.
Jim Soukoulis, 54, was allegedly involved in a plot to fly 255kg of methamphetamine into Australia from California in a light plane.
But a large part of his bail surety was covered by his mum’s house, which is now at risk because of his court no-show on Thursday.
The Australian Federal Police say he was released from custody in 2017 on a $900,000 security, $600,000 of which was posted against his mother’s home.
Mr Soukoulis was under court ordered conditions that he live at a South Melbourne address.
He was ordered to report daily at South Melbourne police station but has not checked in since November 12 last year, having apparently made preparations to bolt.
Mr Soukoulis is accused of planning to buy a light aircraft in the United States, strip out its seats and stuff it full of ice.
It was to be flown on a 13,000km island-hopping route to Australia, but the drugs were seized by the US Drug Enforcement Agency.
A qualified pilot and an accountant were also arrested over the alleged conspiracy.
The AFP later said it had seized $2.4 million in cash in Mildura as part of the sprawling international probe.
Melbourne County Court on Thursday ruled Mr Soukoulis had absconded and arrest warrants were issued.
The bail-jumper was last seen in the car park of an apartment building where he lives in Albert St, South Melbourne.
The AFP said he had contacts in Sydney, family ties in Adelaide and Greece and had been a frequent visitor to Thailand in the period before his arrest.
Investigators said he had made a well-planned escape.
“The week before his last bail report last November, the man made a number of ATM withdrawals, in excess of more than $8000 in cash,,” the statement said.
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Mr Soukoulis is described as being 180cm tall, of medium build, olive complexion and short grey hair.
He has tattoos, including a Capricorn star sign on the left of his chest, a Taurus bull on the right and the figure of Greek god Medusa on his back.
Anyone with information can contact 1800 333 000.