BRISBANE April 17 AAP - The alleged kingpin of the Gold Coast's party drug scene is as big a flight risk as underworld figure Tony Mokbel, a court has heard.
Friends have stumped up a $2 million surety for nightclub owner Ivan Tesic, 40, who was arrested in April in the biggest drug bust the glitter strip has seen.
Investigators say the ring was smashed in a 19-month operation that stopped $26 million worth of drugs hitting the streets.
To date, 152 people have been arrested, including 37 alleged outlaw bikies and associates.
Tesic is the accused mastermind of the criminal network and allegedly distributed cocaine through Club Liv, which he part owns.
Police allege he has past connections with the Hells Angels and possesses multiple homes and luxury cars without evidence of regular income.
During a lengthy bail hearing in the Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday, Peter Davis QC, for Tesic, argued his client had never been involved in the Hells Angels and would contest the charges.
Mr Davis said Tesic wasn't a flight risk because NSW police had his passport, his surety totalled $2 million and he had strong ties to southeast Queensland.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Michael Campbell said Tesic was a drug lord and flight risk.
"It's my understanding Tony Mokbel never had a passport, either," he said of the Victorian criminal who fled to Greece while facing drug charges in the mid-2000s.
Sgt Campbell said the case against Tesic was strong, and evidence included video and audio recordings.
He urged Magistrate Dermot Kehoe to consider the impact of drugs on the community when deciding whether to grant Tesic bail.
If convicted, Tesic faces an extra 25 years in prison on top of his sentence under Queensland's controversial bikie laws.
His bail application was adjourned to next Tuesday.
Although Tesic will spend Easter behind bars, another man allegedly involved in the ring will get to spend the holiday at home.
Braden Quan, 26, has been granted bail with strict conditions.
He faces drug trafficking charges and will next appear in court on May 29.
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