Accused dealer faces jail

A NORLANE man allegedly found with bags of cannabis, nine double-edged fighting swords, cash and scales was denied bail yesterday.

Christopher Mclean, 46, appeared in Geelong Magistrates’ Court on weapons and trafficking charges.

The court heard police found four bags of cannabis, nine swords, $5800 in cash and a set of electronic scales at Mr Mclean’s home last week.

Police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Geoff Lamb said visitors who turned up at the house fled when they saw police were there.

“Police believe they were attending with the intention of purchasing drugs,” he said.

“When formally interviewed, the accused said he purchased a pound of cannabis for $3200 . . . smokes half and sells the remainder for $4000.”

Mr Mclean had said the drug dealing had been going on for four years and he dealt from his front door.

A carer for Mr Mclean, who needs insulin injections each day, gave evidence with the intention of having him released to her home, but when questioned by the prosecutor she said it wouldn’t work.

Sen-Constable Lamb said: “On his own admission he’s been smoking cannabis every day since he was 15 — constantly over the last 30 years straight. Do you understand that he will not be able to give it up overnight?”

The carer said she couldn’t have him stay if he was taking drugs and she didn’t know that he had been smoking cannabis.

Magistrate Hugh Radford told the carer he found it hard to believe she didn’t know he was smoking cannabis. “With, what was it? Up to 3-4 grams a day — that place would stink of marijuana,” he said.

In remanding Mr Mclean in custody until August 18 he told him he could be facing a jail term. “You’ve been a longterm drug user . . . and you’ve been dealing drugs over the last four years, not only for your use but for profit,” he said.