Councillor stands by son arrested in drug raid

Matthew Lancini and wife Claudia.

THE ‘Mayor of Lower Herbert’ has appeared in the Ingham Magistrates Court to support a son who is facing a number of charges related to a recent major Hinchinbrook drug bust.

Cesare Matthew Victor Lancini, 40, better known as Matthew Lancini, appeared on a total of five charges, namely possessing explosives (ammunition), possessing drug utensils, possession of property suspected of being from the proceeds of an offence under the Drugs Misuse Act, and one count each of possessing and producing dangerous drugs.

Ingham Police allegedly recovered 9kg of dried cannabis, 20 mature cannabis plants and “a large amount of cash” during the raid on Lancini’s property in Cordelia in late August.

Lancini is the son of Hinchinbrook Shire councillor Andrew Lancini, a highly respected Halifax businessman and pillar of the community, known affectionately as the ‘Mayor of Lower Herbert’ due to his political influence in the coastal reaches of the Hinchinbrook Shire.

Cr Lancini, a former deputy mayor, and wife Lorraine were in court to support their son.

Speaking after the case was adjourned for a committal mention on November 26, Cr Lancini told the Townsville Bulletin that he supported his son 100 per cent.

It was a tough time for the family, he said. He said his son was a “good boy, works seven days a week” as a self-employed businessman who also helped his father out running the Halifax BP and garage.

Cr Lancini said it was the intention that his son would take over the business, but “his wife is crook”.

He also raised questions about the raid, saying the original search warrant was for a gun.

Cr Lancini brushed off suggestions the arrest would impact his ability to perform as a councillor.