Alleged dealer in city sting

A RESTAURATEUR who was allegedly caught with $22k cash and drugs said he was in North Queensland to open a restaurant.

John Daniels, 34, and his co-accused, Scott Reading, will both stay behind bars after bail was denied by Magistrate Ken Taylor on Wednesday.

Police prosecutor Sophie Roseby said officers had allegedly found $22,000 in Daniels’ possession, as well as a “large number” of drugs, and a notebook.

She said Daniels had refused to tell officers his phone passcode and was charged with contravening an order by police, possess dangerous drugs and possess proceeds suspected to be in relation to a drugs charge.

She submitted the risk of Daniels reoffending would not be mitigated by bail conditions, given the number of drugs, the trafficking charge and his attitude towards police and courts.

Defence lawyer Emily Olditch said Daniels was the owner of Yes Please Filipino Restaurant in Brisbane, which had been recently closed due to disputes with Brisbane City Council.

Mr Taylor said Daniels had been sentenced to jail terms for unrelated offending.,

Daniels was denied bail, with his next mention listed as October 28.

Reading later appeared on camera before Mr Taylor on charges of trafficking, supply of “meth and fantasy”, and contravening an order by police.

In his bail application, it was heard the 41-year-old Gold Coast man held a “considerable history” including one breach of bail in 2019. It was alleged Reading was found with $8000 in a hotel room.

Ms Roseby said Reading had a significant history in trafficking drugs, and alleged he had been travelling Queensland for that purpose.

Mr Taylor denied Reading’s bail. His matter will be heard on October 27.