Alleged drug dealing pair denied bail

TWO people alleged to be involved in a “sophisticated” drug trafficking syndicate have been denied bail.

Three men and a woman were arrested following a raid in Jensen on Wednesday, which brought a “long operation” that stretched from the Sunshine Coast to Townsville to a close. Police have charged 30 people in relation to 179 drug and firearm charges as part of the operation.

Prosecutor Codie Rowe told Townsville Magistrates Court de facto partners David Robert Mann and Ebony Rebecca Jackson were a significant risk and likely to continue to offend if they were released.

The two were charged with more than 30 offences, including supplying dangerous drugs and trafficking dangerous drugs.

Police have alleged they found cannabis, methylamphetamine, MDMA and weapons at a house, in a vehicle and in a shipping container at Mann’s property in Jensen.

Mr Rowe said Mann was alleged to have “stand over men” who were used for debt collection and to run errands.

“The defendant was found with a significant quantity of schedule one and two drugs being trafficked in the Townsville area. It is expected that both offenders will continue to supply drugs to recoup debts paid to their suppliers and fund their lifestyle,” Mr Rowe said.

“There is the admission made by the defendant also that he had possession of the firearms that were suspected of being for protection purposes during the drug trafficking business.”

Defence barrister Harvey Walters said Mann wanted to be released on bail so he could “get his affairs in order”.

Mr Walters said Mann and his de facto partner, Jackson, did not intend to live at the same address if they were allowed bail.

Jackson’s barrister, Wayne Pennell, said his client was 24 and was not facing any weapons charges. He said this made her less of a risk of reoffending if she were released.

Mr Rowe alleged that Jackson’s links to the Townsville drug scene made her an unacceptable risk.

Magistrate Cathy Wadley agreed. Police have alleged the syndicate is connected in some capacity to the case against Leslie Gordon Shark and Paul Lindsay Barclay, who were allegedly caught with 1.93kg of methylamphetamine, almost $200,000 in cash and 653g of marijuana in Home Hill last week.