Bail granted for alleged cocaine trafficker accused of offences over cars

Nicholas John Kozak, 24, leaves court after being granted bail on Friday. Photo: Albert McKnight.

A businessman who trades and sells cars has been granted bail after he was charged with trafficking cocaine and dealing with several vehicles alleged to be the proceeds of crime.

When police interviewed Nicholas John Kozak in November 2021, he denied any involvement in the trafficking of drugs, court documents say.

He said he was a sole trader who bought and sold vehicles and in the last financial year had a $1 million turnover and a $250,000 profit.

Then in June 2022, police stopped Mr Kozak while he was driving on the Federal Highway in a Hino tow truck that was carrying a Toyota HiLux.

They seized both vehicles and it is alleged they found about 90 grams of cocaine when they searched the HiLux. They also allegedly found 120 boxes of Panadol Extra, or a total of 2400 caplets.

Police had also seized a Ferrari from a home in Spence that month.

Among investigations into several cars, police allege Mr Kozak had bought this Ferrari in May 2022 when the vehicle’s value was declared as $50,000, but that June had listed it for sale on Facebook for almost $200,000.

Items police allege they seized during the investigation into Nicholas John Kozak. Photo: ACT Policing.

Items police allege they seized during the investigation into Nicholas John Kozak. Photo: ACT Policing.

Items police allege they seized during the investigation into Nicholas John Kozak. Photo: ACT Policing.

Items police allege they seized during the investigation into Nicholas John Kozak. Photo: ACT Policing.

Police also said Panadol Extra was commonly used to ”cut” or mix with cocaine to increase its volume and decrease the purity.

The 24-year-old Mr Kozak was arrested on Wednesday (8 February) before appearing in the ACT Magistrates Court on Friday (10 February).

He is alleged to have dealt with Mercedes-Benz, Hino truck, Holden Commodore and Ferrari 360 vehicles as well as thousands of dollars in cash that were the proceeds of crime.

Mr Kozak was represented by Michael Kukulies-Smith of Kamy Saeedi Law when he applied for bail, which was opposed by the prosecution but ultimately granted by Magistrate Louise Taylor.

The matter was adjourned to April.

He has indicated not guilty pleas to single counts of trafficking cocaine, money laundering and failing to comply with an order made by a magistrate, as well as to five counts of dealing with property suspected to be the proceeds of crime.