Accused drug trafficker Rocco Arico has been branded the “puppeteer” behind a scheme to recover an alleged $100,000 drug debt following a string of threats and attacks staged against a former friend and associate.
The prosecution’s claim was put to Mr Arico after he took the stand on Thursday to testify at his trial on charges of extortion, recklessly or intentionally causing injury, and trafficking methylamphetamine.
The County Court has been told that drug dealer-turned-witness Arthur Vouthas was forced to repay Mr Arico for the cost of a kilogram of cocaine that was allegedly stolen by bikie Toby Mitchell from Mr Vouthas during a botched deal in 2010.
Mr Arico claims the …
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