Panicked Vic men stop break-in with couch

An alleged Melbourne drug dealer who goes by the nickname "Beast" will remain behind bars over allegations he and other youths tried to break into an apartment as the panicked occupants barricaded the door.

Mohamed Ahmed, 22, was refused bail on Saturday in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on charges of attempted aggravated burglary, and drug trafficking and possession.

Police allege Ahmed had gone to Parkville on Friday night to collect a $100 heroin debt from a woman.

Ahmed and other co-accused allegedly gained access to the building and tried to break down the door of a unit.

"The occupant had a very real fear for his safety and for his friend, and barricaded the door with a couch," a police prosecutor told the court.

"The victim was panic-stricken because he knew his partner and 14-month-old daughter were due home at any instant."

Up to four young men, some armed with knives, were trying to break in, police say.

Several calls were made to Triple-0 as the group of men kicked and pounded on the door, breaking its handle.

Ahmed denied the charges.

"I have never been caught with drugs in my life," he told the court.

"I don't go by the name of 'Beast', my name is Mohamed."

Ahmed told the court someone had let him in to the building.

He said he had kicked a door in frustration because a woman who owed him $100 did not pay him.

He also said two knives found near where he was arrested did not belong to him.

Magistrate Robert Kumar said the 22-year-old was an unacceptable risk and remanded him in custody until his next court appearance.