The leader of a Congolese crime syndicate in Melbourne, a man known as "More Power", used false passports and identities to import ice and send hundreds of thousands of dollars abroad, a court has heard.
Police allege Kiza Masange imported almost six kilograms of methamphetamines, and say he is called "More Power" by his underlings in the African crime gang.
They fear he will use false passports to flee overseas if released.
But Deputy Chief Magistrate Jelena Popovic granted the 26-year-old bail on Friday, saying Masange faced an inordinate delay before trial in the overworked court system.
Masange is accused of importing the ice into Australia hidden in USB drives, a tea set and the lining of a suitcase.
A search of his Burnside home allegedly turned up 3.7kg of methamphetamine, false South African passports and $96,500 in cash, the Melbourne Magistrates Court heard.
Detective Leading Senior Constable Fiona Cleeland told the court Masange had used false passports to transfer some $400,000 to people overseas.
She said he was an unacceptable risk to leave the country if bailed.
"If released I have grave concerns given Kiza Masange has access to large amounts of false documents," she said.
The three drug parcels intercepted by Customs were addressed to a fake identity Masange was using and his African grocery store in St Albans is a front for his illegal operation, Det Sen Const Cleeland said.
Australian Federal Police are still investigating the Congolese syndicate and expect to make further arrests.
Ms Popovic conceded flight risk was a concern in the case, but said a lengthy delay before any trial amounted to exceptional circumstances.
She said the bail conditions she was imposing, which include a curfew and twice daily reporting to police, were among the most stringent she had handed down.
Masange arrived in Australia as a Congolese refugee in 2006, but has since become an Australian citizen.
He is charged with importing a commercial quantity of methamphetamine and possessing false passports.
He will face a committal mention hearing in August.
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