Rhys Alwyn Ferzst appears in court for the first time charged with conspiracy to manufacture drugs

A Stuart Park bodybuilder accused of orchestrating a massive cocaine operation that struck a deal with bikie gangs to send hundreds of kilos of cocaine across the country has been refused bail.

A STUART Park bodybuilder accused of orchestrating a massive cocaine operation that struck a deal with bikie gangs to send hundreds of kilos of cocaine across the country has been refused bail.

Rhys Alwyn Ferszt, 33, who was unmasked as the man police are alleging headed up a cocaine empire backed by a Colombian cartel, appeared in the Darwin Local Court on Monday afternoon charged with conspiracy to manufacture a commercial quantity of controlled drugs.

Ferszt, a former lifeguard with Gold Coast City Council who is currently on long service leave from the council until June next year, faces a potential life sentence in jail if convicted.

He was arrested in dramatic scenes on Thursday night after leaving a gym.

Earlier, opposing bail, prosecuting solicitor Naomi Low argued “tens of thousands of dollars of cash” was found at Ferszt’s property, which Ms Low alleged suggested his involvement with the operation which included approximately 100kg of cocaine.

“It was funded by a significant amount of money,” Ms Low said.

“It appears this is an international operation with international connections.

“He has access to large amounts of money, he has international connections. He has no gainful employment that the prosecution is aware of.”

Ferszt, who was born on the Gold Coast, moved to the Territory last October and appeared in court dressed in a black T shirt, maroon and gold football shorts and thongs, did not offer any comment.

Rhys Ferszt has appeared before the Darwin Local Court for the first time. Picture Jono Searle

Ms Low tendered a 26-page Australian Federal Police statement of facts, describing the alleged offending as an “undoubtedly extremely serious” and an extradition application was also likely later this week.

However, for Ferszt, Michael Gatenby disputed his client’s connection to prosecution’s “extensive” surveillance and telephone intercepts over a prolonged period of time, and only “about $20,000” had been found at his property.

“You have the document before you, this man doesn’t say a word,” Mr Gatenby said.

“Where’s the smoking gun? And the answer is there isn’t one.”

He said the discovered money was “not a big wad of cash” that could potentially be used for a fake passport to leave the country.

The accused, who moved to NT last October was supported by his girlfriend and his mother in court, who offered a $250,000 surety.

It also heard the accused began swimming from the age of five, performed well in open water events in Queensland and was involved with other Olympic athletes in his youth.

However, Ferszt gave up swimming at the age of 22 and pursued bodybuilding where he won a number of state titles, with a competition coming up in 12 weeks.

“He comes before you with very limited criminal history,” Mr Gatenby said.

“He has employment with Gold Coast City Council, so he’s not destitute.”

Earlier, Australian Federal Police revealed as part of Operation Merriden, search warrants were executed in New South Wales, the NT and Queensland, resulting in nine arrests.

The operation also uncovered an industrial-sized, purpose-built cocaine production laboratory in regional Queensland town, Durong, which is believed to be able to render 700kg in pure cocaine.

Mr Gatenby said there was “nothing” that would suggeste he would abscond, stand over witnesses or reoffend.

Defence Lawyer Michael Gatenby and the accused’s support attend the first court appearance of Rhys Ferszt and Benjamin Williams for cocaine importation at Darwin Local court. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Refusing bail on Monday, Judge Richard Wallace said the accused had a minimal criminal history apart from a small drug offence in Brisbane dating back nearly 10 years ago.

He said it appeared the accused had some “knowing involvement” in a “large” conspiracy despite having “next to no criminal history”.

“I find it sufficiently likely … (he) might abscond on bail,” he said.

Meanwhile, a Gold Coast man allegedly involved in the operation had no knowledge that drugs were involved and had been asked to move materials for friends, the court heard.

Benjamin Joseph Williams, 30, appeared in the Darwin Local Court accused of the same charge as Ferzst, involved in a conspiracy to manufacture a commercial quantity of controlled drugs.

Prosecutor Naomi Low at the first court appearance of Rhys Ferszt and Benjamin Williams for cocaine importation at Darwin Local court. Picture: Glenn Campbell

For the accused, Michael Drury said his client was going to plead not guilty, had merely been moving some goods for friends and was unaware of anything sinister going on.

“He’s instructed me he’s not involved (in the operation),” Mr Drury said.

“We say the evidence is weak.

“He says friends have asked him for a favor to take some stuff out, there was some materials in a bag, some furniture, and some food and some black containers.

“My client has instructed me he was unaware of anything that was in the containers.”

However, Ms Low said the accused had been captured on police listening devices.

Refusing bail, Judge Richard Wallace said the offence was a “serious one”.

“Bail should be refused for the seriousness of the charge,” Judge Wallace said.

He will next appear in court later in the week for extradition proceedings.