Saman Moradi, 28, allegedly linked to Hells Angels after drugs, guns found

A young father and barber shop owner will remain behind bars after police allegedly busted him with meth, guns and Hells Angels merchandise.

A young father and barber shop owner will remain behind bars until at least August after police allegedly busted him with 150g of meth, guns and Hells Angels merchandise.

Saman Moradi, 28, appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court via video link from the cells beneath the courtroom on Wednesday afternoon – still wearing the hoodie he was arrested in the night before.

Police prosecutors opposed any form of Mr Moradi’s release on bail after allegedly finding unlicensed firearms, as well as 150g of methamphetamine hidden in secret compartments.

The court heard police attended an automotive business in November 30 last year that Mr Moradi was “known to frequent” and found a saw off shotgun concealed in the rafters of the premises.

MROne of the guns allegedly seized. Picture: SA Police

Police say they found guns and meth. Picture: SA Police

“It was located next to several boxes of 0.22mm ammunition – about 241 rounds. A 0.22mm firearm was not located, so we believe that weapon is still outstanding,” the prosecutor said.

“Police seized the CCTV from the workshop and what they saw upon seizing it was that the day before, the defendant was at the premises and was seen holding a sawn off shotgun. He places it on the floor, takes possession of a large amount of cash and then walks off.

“He then returns about half an hour later, collects the firearm from the floor and walks out of view.

“About four hours later, he breaks open that handgun, he inspects the barrel and then wipes it down with a towel. He later wraps it in a towel and hands it to another person. The casual familiarity that is displayed by the defendant when handling that firearm is alarming, and is a huge concern to the community given he has no firearms license, but is obviously incredibly familiar with firearms.

Magistrate Justin Wickens heard that on May 11, a Northern Districts police vehicle was “almost hit” by a Kia Cerato “travelling at great speed”, before it was found abandoned.

A search of the vehicle uncovered more ammunition, with fingerprints on the exterior of the car allegedly matching those of Mr Moradi’s.

Police then searched a vehicle in a Mawson Lakes carpark three days later allegedly belonging to Mr Moradi.

A search of the vehicle uncovered a 6.35mm semiautomatic loaded pistol located in a mechanical hide that could be opened by the defendant’s key fob.

“Within the driver’s footwell, within easy reach, was a black bag containing 150g of methamphetamine. He was then arrested and when police executed a search warrant of his address, police searched a Volkswagen Golf where they found a 0.38mm revolver handgun loaded with two rounds of ammunition,” the prosecutor said.

Police also allegedly found a Hells Angels T-shirt in the car, but do not allege Mr Moradi is a direct member of the outlaw motorcycle club.

“He has obvious affiliations with the Hells Angels,” the prosecutor said.

A 28-year-old has been charged with trafficking. Picture: SA Police

The man was also wanted for questioning over the discovery of a sawn-off shotgun. Picture: SA Police

Michael Abbott KC, for Mr Moradi, told Mr Wickens the evidence against his client was “circumstantial,” and both his wife and brother were willing to put forward a $5000 cash surety to secure his release.

“I proceed on the basis that my client is innocent of these charges,” Mr Abbott said.

“We haven’t seen a declaration in relation to fingerprints on the car, or that it’s him in the CCTV footage. They’re not able to relate the weapons to my client, so at this stage it’s a matter of allegations and inferences that the police draw.”

He told the court Mr Moradi has a 1-year-old child at home, as well as a business with two employees he needed to return to.

Mr Wickens dismissed the bail application due to the seriousness of the charges, and remanded Mr Moradi in custody.

He will return to court in August.

Detective Superintendent Billy Thompson, OIC Serious and Organised Crime Branch said the “illegal possession of firearms in the community is concerning, particularly when it’s alleged firearms are possessed in conjunction with drug trafficking’’.

Members of the public can share information anonymously online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or call free call 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Saman Moradi, 28, allegedly linked to Hells Angels after drugs, guns found