Stavros and Michael Theoharis have been granted home detention bail following their arrests in Operation Ironside, the South Australian crackdown targeting alleged drug trafficking networks linked to the AN0M encrypted messaging app.
Stavros, 32, of Paralowie, faces charges including eight counts of large commercial drug trafficking.
Defence lawyers argued the court could have “confidence” in his compliance with bail, citing his role as a self-employed man with a young family. His long-term partner offered a $10,000 surety.
Magistrate John Clover granted bail, noting “there’s a lot on the line for him.”
His brother, Michael, 29, of Paradise, faces 21 trafficking charges, including trafficking in large commercial quantities. Prosecutors alleged he played a role in the “collection and repackaging” of a significant drug supply and operated two AN0M devices.
Despite opposition from prosecutors, Magistrate Clover also approved home detention bail for Michael, on the condition he raise a $10,000 cash surety. He told the accused: “You need a lawyer, and you need one urgently.”
The Theoharis brothers were among 55 South Australians arrested in last week’s Operation Ironside 3.0, which has uncovered what police allege to be one of the state’s largest organised drug-trafficking networks.
Both men will return to court in January.
Source: The Advertiser
