A Mercedes-driving nightclub owner,
who was one of Australia's most wanted alleged crime
bosses, has been netted in a major Gold Coast drug
sting.
Ivan Tesic, 43, was arrested on drug trafficking charges
at Sydney Domestic Airport on Friday, only hours before
police raided his Surfers Paradise nightclub Club Liv.
It is alleged Tesic, who had been listed as an "extreme
risk" by national law enforcement authorities, led a
drug trafficking network, dealing primarily in cocaine,
between Sydney and the Gold Coast.
The prominent nightclub owner was among 152 people
arrested on drug-related charges over three days of
raids targeting the Gold Coast's party drug scene, which
concluded an 18-month operation.
Fourteen patched members and 23 associates of the
Bandidos, Rebels, Finks and Lone Wolfs outlaw motorcycle
gangs, were also arrested during the raids.
More than 15 kilograms of cocaine was seized, as well as
1.5 kilograms of MDMA, one kilogram of methamphetamine
and six litres of methamphetamine oil, which police
allege could have produced $11 million worth of cocaine,
as well as $500,000 in cash.
Police also intend to restrain millions of dollars in
assets, including four luxury homes in Sydney and on the
Gold Coast, another $700,000 in cash, luxury cars and
motorcycles, and a watch worth $500,000.
Tesic, who will be charged with drug trafficking
offences under Queensland's tough anti-association laws,
is a part-owner of Club Liv on Orchid Avenue, where
police claim cocaine and other drugs were sold.
Among those arrested in the blitz was Jamie Pickering,
owner of prominent Orchid Avenue nightclubs SinCity and
Vanity.
Pickering, who reportedly owns a $250,000 yellow Ferrari
with the number plates SINCITY, was arrested on Sunday
and is due to face Southport Magistrates Court on
Monday.
Also arrested was former Bandidos sergeant-at-arms
Joshua Downey, who infamously appeared on the front page
of a Gold Coast newspaper claiming: "We run this town."
Downey was arrested in Airlie Beach and faced Mackay
Magistrates Court on Saturday charged with drug
trafficking, where he was remanded in custody.
Regional crime co-ordinator Superintendent David
Hutchinson said the sting was the "most significant
covert drug operation the Gold Coast had seen".
"The operation has prevented tens of kilos of dangerous
drugs hitting the streets of the Gold Coast and has
removed from the community a number of high-profile drug
traffickers who have basically been living the high life
at the expense of our youth," he told reporters on
Sunday.
Taskforce Maxima boss Mick Niland said it was a "major
win for the Gold Coast community".