Ecstasy in post, jury told

A SOUTHERN Tasmanian man is on trial for allegedly bringing 501 ecstasy pills into Tasmania through the post.

Thomas Oliver Melick, 29, has pleaded not guilty to trafficking in a controlled substance.

In the Supreme Court in Hobart yesterday, Crown prosecutor Allison Shand told the jury an Express Post parcel was intercepted by a biosecurity officer at Australia Post’s Mornington Mail Centre on January 12, 2016, and was found to contain 501 ecstasy tablets and a small amount of cocaine.

Ms Shand said the parcel, posted in Victoria, was addressed to Mr Melick. She said police searched Mr Melick’s home and collected small snap-lock bags, a set of digital scales and mobile telephones.

Ms Shand said witnesses would include two women who said they had bought pills from Mr Melick.

The jury yesterday heard from the biosecurity officer who screened the package.

Police officers and a toxicologist are also among the witnesses. Mr Melick’s barrister Chris Gunson, SC, did not make any opening comments.

Mr Melick is the son of Hobart barrister and winemaker Greg Melick.

The trial, before Justice Michael Brett, continues.