Alleged bikie boss’ big blow after international manhunt

An alleged high-ranking Hells Angels bikie will remain behind bars over Christmas after he was extradited from Thailand following a years-long international manhunt. Rodrigo Elices, 32, was spotted returning to Australia on a flight from the Philippines while surrounded by police on Saturday. A video taken by a fellow passenger claims the suspected bikie boss “winked and smiled” at travellers from his seat, where he can be seen peeking over the seat in front of him. The now-viral footage marks the end of a two-year search for Mr Elices, who evaded NSW Police in four countries after allegedly absconding from Australia with a stolen passport. He was arrested in Thailand in November 2022 and incarcerated for 11 months over immigration offences. The 32-year-old was then given a royal pardon and directed to return to Australia, but instead police say he “claimed a medical episode” and escaped authorities during a stopover in the Philippines. He then attempted to travel to Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, Lebanon and Taiwan but Australian Federal Police notified authorities in each country. Mr Elices was sent back to Manila where he spent three weeks in an immigration stand-off with officers due to an order preventing him from entering the Philippines. NSW Police said he was confined to a chair before being forcibly deported on November 30. Upon his return to Australia, the alleged Hells Angels member was charged with 55 drug and firearms offences related to a search warrant executed on a Sydney home in December 15, 2022. Police allege they seized 11 firearms, including eight prohibited firearms and a number homemade self-loading pistols, and more than a thousand rounds of ammunition. They also allegedly uncovered ballistic vests and pepper spray in addition to more than 409g of meth, 282g of MDMA, nearly 4L of GBL and just under 18g of cocaine. Mr Elices has been charged with supplying the various drugs and dealing with the proceeds of crime worth in excess of $100,000. He was represented by his lawyer Abdul Tlais in Sydney Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday for the first mention of his matter. Mr Elices was represented by his lawyer Abdul Tlais in Sydney Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday for the first mention of his matter. Deputy Chief Magistrate Theo Tsavdaridis adjourned the case until late January and noted Mr Elices had not applied for bail, which was formally refused. The accused bikie boss will remain behind bars on remand over the holiday period unless he makes a bid for bail.