Robert Trimbole - The Godfather

The Godfather

After his bankruptcy, Trimbole travelled Australia repairing pinball machines and doing well financially. In 1972 he opened a restaurant called The Texas Tavern and a butcher shop. Many believed these businesses operated as a front for illegal marijuana distribution and other varieties of organised crime. He sold both businesses to an associate, Giuseppe Sergi in 1973. By this stage Trimbole's wealth had grown substantially and he was able to discharge his earlier bankruptcy.

Now living in a luxurious house with a swimming pool in a nicer part of town, Trimbole had built an empire valued at over A$2 million and a reputation as a major drug baron. Many locals referred to his house as the "Grass Castle", a reference to Trimbole's rise to power in the illegal marijuana trade.

Trimbole invested in many luxury items and businesses, including farms, cars, speedboats, several clothing stores, a liquor store and a wholesale wine business. He later added a trucking company and a supermarket. He also purchased land to further his marijuana growing capacity. Trimbole seemed to go about his illegal activities virtually unchallenged.

He soon became the principal of the Australian drug trade based in New South Wales, and earned the nickname "The Godfather", a reference to his leadership qualities and Italian background. He also went by the nickname "Aussie Bob", a term given to him by his New Zealand associates in the Mr. Asia syndicate.