Slain underworld figure Victor Peirce was a good murderer but smallfry in the drug world, a court has been told.
The evidence came from a police informer during the committal hearing for Vince Benvenuto, who has been charged over the shooting death of Peirce.
Peirce was shot dead in his car in Port Melbourne in May, 2002.
The witness, who cannot be named for legal reasons, alleges Benvenuto and underworld identity Mick Gatto set up Peirce, while executed hitman Andrew Veniamin shot him.
The witness said he and Tony Mokbel were big fish in the drug trade, unlike Peirce.
"Peirce wasn't in that category. He was a professional hit man but as a drug dealer, street level I reckon," he said via videolink.
"As a murderer, he's one of the best."
Benvenuto chuckled at the comment from the dock.
The witness said Benvenuto worked with Veniamin to kill Peirce, despite Veniamin killing his brother Frank Benvenuto in 2000.
The witness also said he knew Peirce would be killed about eight to 10 weeks before it happened.
The witness admitted under cross-examination by defence lawyer Chris Dane QC he had never spoken to Vince Benvenuto.
Veniamin was shot in 2004 by Mr Gatto, who was acquitted of his murder on the grounds of self-defence. Mr Gatto has denied involvement in Peirce's death.
Peirce was once charged with, but later cleared of, involvement in the 1988 Walsh Street police murders.
The hearing before Magistrate Carmen Randazzo continues this afternoon.
