No bail for student on drug counts
AN international student was allegedly caught in the act of picking up two large parcels containing more than $100,000 worth of cannabis in a drug sting by Cairns police.
Duong Khoa Vu, 25, has been denied bail and accused of trafficking drugs after officers from the Major and Organised Crime Squad pounced on him while he collected the parcels from a location on Lake St on Wednesday afternoon.
Police have alleged the parcels contained around 15kg of dried hydroponic cannabis.
Detectives then raided the hotel room he had been staying in and allegedly found more cannabis, a mobile phone, computer hard drive and drug related paraphernalia including scales and a cryovac machine.
The street value of the total amount of cannabis allegedly found was at least $115,000 according to police. The Cairns Magistrates Court heard yesterday Mr Vu, who has been living in Cairns for the past two years on a student visa, had been paying “week-to-week” to stay at the Rainbow Resort on Sheridan St.
Police prosecutor Natalie Keys argued the accommodation was not suitable as a bail address which Acting Magistrate Raimund Heggie agreed with and denied bail.
The court heard Mr Vu’s Swedish-based parents had been funding his stay.
Defence solicitor Richard
Whitla had argued Mr Vu had no criminal history and was prepared to surrender his passport and stay away from international departure points if allowed to be released.
Speaking outside court, MOCS Det Acting Sen-Sgt Brad Grace said they had received intelligence which led them to intercepting the man where he was collecting the packages. He said investigations were ongoing regarding their source which was believed to be interstate.
Mr Vu is also facing two counts of drug possession.
His case was adjourned until November 27 and he was remanded in custody.
Det Acting Sen-Sgt Grace said they readily targeted cannabis production and supply in the Far North because of the potential community harm.
“There are significant issues associated with mental health with a chemically produced type of substance,” he said.