Drug, weapons charges
Bail bid for trio arrested after alleged drug bust delayed
Three Gold Coast men charged after police allegedly uncovered a stash of drugs and weapons – including a handgun disguised as an iPhone – have had their bids for freedom delayed.
Rows of the courtroom gallery were filled with supporters as Tristen Lee Donno, Jack William Spicer and Cain Zilus Bird prepared to make applications for bail in Southport Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
Each of the trio faces more than a dozen charges, including possessing dangerous drugs and unlawfully possessing Category D/H/R and Category C/E weapons.
Mr Donno, 26, and Mr Spicer, 20, are also charged with trafficking cocaine and supplying dangerous drugs.
The three men have been held in custody since their arrests more than a week ago, following raids at properties in Surfers Paradise and Biggera Waters.
Police allegedly uncovered two shotguns, one pen gun, and what they described as an “iPhone handgun” along with drugs – including cocaine and methylamphetamine – and cash.
Mr Donno’s supporters were visibly emotional as the heavily-tattooed Robina man was brought in from the watch house.
Defence lawyer Farshad Sarabi, of Hannay Lawyers, said there was a “serious lack of information” linking his client to the Biggera Waters property or the drugs and guns allegedly stashed under a couch inside it.
The court was told the other two men were understood to live there.
Mr Sarabi said there was stronger evidence to support allegations Mr Donno fled from police during an earlier interaction.
He said Mr Donno had other matters before the Supreme Court and would comply with stringent conditions if granted bail.
The application was adjourned to allow police prosecutions to produce further sworn evidence in support of their allegations, including a reported intercepted phone call.
Mr Donno’s and his two coaccused’s cases were all adjourned to Thursday.
A fourth co-accused, 25year-old Lillian Grace Moyes, was granted bail last week. Her case is due to return to court on May 28.
Another two men were also charged in the bust.