Alleged syndicate pair granted bail

TWO people allegedly involved in a drug syndicate busted by detectives have been granted bail.

Rhys Essery and Jock Love briefly appeared in Townsville Magistrates Court yesterday facing charges of supplying and possessing dangerous drugs and other charges.

Police prosecutor Mark Fenlon opposed Essery’s bail, despite a limited criminal history.

“We’re not talking about small amounts of dangerous drugs being transacted here,” he said. “These aren’t small amounts of money that are involved in these transactions either.”

He said while his offences were at the lower end of the “business”, without people like the defendant, operations would not have had legs.

He also described the alleged offending as “amateurish” as there was no attempt to hide the transactions, as heard in police telephone intercepts.

The man was granted bail on the basis he does not contact his co-accused, and report to local police weekly. Love was also granted bail, despite Mr Fenlon’s objection. Defence solicitor Helen Armitage said Love had three children and a full-time job as a concreter. The court heard Love was allegedly found with 5g of methamphetamine. He must report weekly to police and not be in contact with his co-accused.

Sarah Amery, Rae Lee Vaughan, Maxwell Rush, Cameron Standley, Phillipa O’keefe, Jean Hall and Jessie Lucas, who are also facing drug trafficking and other charges, did not apply for bail. Logan Mcdonnell, who is also facing drug trafficking and other charges, had his bail refused.

All matters will be heard on October 21 for committal mention.