Three men have been charged following a long-running investigation into an alleged criminal group police believe is responsible for trafficking more than 70 kilograms of cocaine, worth an estimated $10 million.
Matthew Byrne, 36, appeared before the ACT Magistrates Court on Friday, August 28, where his application for bail was refused.
He is yet to enter pleas to charges of trafficking in a commercial quantity of a controlled drug, participating in a criminal group, recruiting people to engage in criminal activity, and possessing an unauthorised weapon.
The court heard co-accused Adam Ha, 36, and Domenico Luca Costanzo, 31, appeared earlier this week.
Ha was refused bail on charges including trafficking cocaine and possessing an unauthorised firearm and ammunition, while Costanzo was granted strict bail on similar drug and weapons charges.
The men allegedly have ties to the Bandidos outlaw motorcycle gang, the court previously heard.
Since early 2025, police have been investigating the alleged criminal group, which officers believe was involved in trafficking more than 70 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of more than $10 million.
Police arrested Ha on Wednesday following search warrants at a residence and vehicle in Taylor, where officers allegedly located cocaine, about $500,000 in cash, and a Glock-style handgun.
Further searches in Throsby that afternoon uncovered suspected GHB and anabolic steroids.
Later that day, police stopped Costanzo in Belconnen, arresting him for driving while disqualified and allegedly breaching bail.
A search of his Mitsubishi Triton allegedly yielded a gel blaster, white powder suspected to be cocaine, and a mobile phone.
Byrne was arrested on Thursday afternoon after police stopped his Toyota LandCruiser in Lyneham.
Inside his vehicle and Yarralumla residence, officers allegedly seized cash, phones, steroids, an extendable baton, luxury goods - including precious gemstones, Pokémon cards, and vintage glass-sealed comic books - and a ledger listing assets and liabilities totalling more than $3.3 million.
On Friday, Byrne's defence lawyer told the court his client was willing to "effectively remain under house arrest" and comply with strict conditions, including supervision by corrective services and handing over his mobile phone.
"He would have no contact with the alleged associates," the lawyer said, arguing there was a "high degree" of suspicion and speculation surrounding Byrne's alleged involvement.
The court heard that Byrne was subject to an intensive correction order for "similar" crimes at the time of the alleged offences.
Opposing bail, prosecutor Tamzin Lee argued there was "a clear link" between Byrne and Ha.
She said the court could have no confidence Byrne would abide by bail conditions aimed at preventing further alleged offences in the community.
"At this point in time, this is not a weak prosecution case," she said.
Special magistrate Lucinda Wilson ultimately refused Byrne's bail application, saying the court had "no faith whatsoever" that he would comply with bail conditions, noting he appeared to disregard his intensive correction order.
"There is nothing that I could impose on you today that would reduce the risk that you would impose upon the community," she told Byrne.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing and further charges are expected.
The three cases will return to court later this year.
