Accused stashed drugs in undies

A MAN whose undies were filled with drugs, an unknown white powder and a set of scales when police apprehended him in Geelong West has been sent to jail for a month.

But Roxburgh Park man Redwan Adem, 24, was granted bail yesterday to appeal that sentence on proviso he pay an $8000 surety and adhere to strict conditions.

Adem had a “significant” rap sheet of drug offending when police pulled over a car he was travelling in on Potter St on March 11 and conducted a search.

The Geelong Magistrates’ Court was told officers found two containers of white powder and the scales in his underwear, and he pleaded guilty to a count of possessing methylamphetamine this week.

Prosecutor Senior Sergeant Steve Iddles said the powders were examined, with one container found to have 2g of meth, but no illicit substances were found within the 20g of powder in the other container.

Pressed by Magistrate Ross Maxted about the powder, Sen-Sgt Iddles said police believed it was likely a “cutting agent” to dilute illicit drugs.

Mr Maxted said the man’s “significant prior history; significant with capitals and emboldened” needed to be considered.

He said courts had tried a variety of ways to stem Adem’s offending, and a “short, sharp sentence” was the only option now available.

But Adem was quick to launch an appeal against the one-month jail term, and fronted the same magistrate to apply for appeal bail.

Mr Maxted set the price at $8000, saying the money would serve as the man’s “de facto custodian”.

If the surety is produced Adem will have to live under a 6pm-6am curfew. He must report to police three times a week, and cannot visit licensed venues, use drugs or drive.