SA News Don't miss out on the headlines from SA News. Followed categories will be added to My News. Australia’s underworld identities descended on Adelaide on Wednesday following the death of an Italian-born businessman – who was previously accused of attempting to import one of country’s largest cocaine shipments.
Carmelo Loprete, 66, died at the end of October following a cancer battle. A few hundred men and women, dressed in black formal wear, trickled into Peter Elberg Funeral Home’s Walter Loxton Chapel, Flinders Park, on Wednesday to pay their respects to Mr Loprete. The funeral liturgy started at 11am and lasted about an hour – with those who loved and respected the man staying back near the chapel’s exit, exchanging hugs and a few words.
Meanwhile, Mr Loprete’s coffin was carried into a silver hearse that sported the Australian and Italian flags on its front. At least seven cars with grieving family and friends followed the hearse as they prepared to say their final goodbyes. Tributes were paid under the watchful eye of the authorities as SA Police and the Australian Federal Police stationed themselves opposite the venue – observing the proceedings, as well as capturing the event on camera.
Carmello Loprete died last month after battling cancer. Picture: Supplied Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said earlier that he had not been briefed on any concerns regarding Mr Loprete’s funeral. “I haven’t had a specific update on our policing response to t.