High‑profile Adelaide restaurateur Nate Scutter behind bars after major cocaine‑trafficking sting

A high‑profile Adelaide hospitality identity is behind bars on Thursday after being arrested in a major cocaine‑trafficking sting.

Police raided multiple sites across the city — including a popular North Adelaide restaurant — allegedly uncovering drugs, cash and firearms linked to 50‑year‑old Nate Scutter, a businessman known for owning several high‑end venues.

WATCH ABOVE: Adelaide restauranter arrested over alleged cocaine trafficking ring

Scutter, who promotes himself as a top hospitality entrepreneur and is the director of luxury rooftop restaurant Yakisan, has been featured in local magazines and recently posted an exclusive tour of state parliament online.

He is now accused of being part of an alleged cocaine‑trafficking ring.

Detectives seized half a kilogram of cocaine, $91,000 in cash and two firearms during raids at the restaurant, a Thebarton warehouse and Scutter’s Richmond home.

Six cars were impounded and police say $4 million worth of assets were restrained.

He has been charged with nine counts of trafficking, one count of supplying and possession of two firearms.

In court, Scutter’s lawyer argued he should be released on bail, saying he has a limited criminal history, has never been behind bars and that keeping him in custody would harm his restaurant business.

But Scutter’s first taste of prison will continue for at least a week, with the magistrate reserving a decision on bail until next Thursday.