Drug raids nab ex-nurse
Now facing trafficking charges
A FORMER Geelong hospital nurse has faced court over allegations she is a big-time drug dealer.
Samantha Bidmade, 29, appeared via video link in Geelong Magistrates Court on Tuesday to seek bail in connection with serious drug charges.
Among the allegations is a claim that Ms Bidmade was trafficking a commercial quantity of methamphetamine.
The charges stem from separate raids at a Melbourne apartment and Ms Bidmade’s home in St Albans Park. The court heard the accused woman initially came to police attention in November 2020, when police raided a property on Queens Road, Melbourne.
It is alleged Ms Bidmade was the only person in the apartment when officers arrived, with a search uncovering a major drug stash.
Prosecutor Senior Constable Jacki Davis said the haul included 135g of the drug ice, 2.5 litres of GHB and more than $57,000 cash.
Ms Bidmade was later granted bail on a range of strict conditions, including a curfew, regular urine screens and a $20,000 surety.
Police allege she repeatedly breached the conditions until she was rearrested when her Geelong home was raided on February 17 this year.
During a search of the home — which Ms Bidmade shared with her mother — police allegedly seized small quantities of ice and butanediol.
She is charged with trafficking both drugs.
Ms Bidmade was also in possession of five mobile phones that allegedly showed her using an encrypted messaging service to discuss the movement of substantial sums of drugs and money.
First Constable Georgia Downward, giving evidence in court, said police believed Ms Bidmade was trafficking “large quantities” to support her own addiction and repay a drug debt.
Defence lawyer Rob Melasecca said it was accepted that Ms Bidmade was battling a drug addiction and owed money.
“There is no doubt that she is a user and there is no doubt that she is under threat,” he said.
Mr Melasecca said his client’s addiction had derailed her nursing career and “led her to the disaster that she is now”.
He proposed Ms Bidmade be granted bail to a drug rehabilitation clinic.
Constable Davis said Ms Bidmade had already shown a “blatant disregard” for bail conditions.
Magistrate Ann McGarvie will deliver her decision on April 28.