Three men allegedly involved in a cocaine syndicate operating across the Monaro region in southern New South Wales have faced Queanbeyan Local Court after being arrested by police early on Tuesday morning.
Police raided eight homes in Queanbeyan, Jerrabomberra — and Franklin in the ACT yesterday morning — seizing cocaine, steroids, testosterone, electronic devices and weapons including a rifle, a replica pistol and knuckle dusters as well as almost $70,000 in cash.
Four men were arrested as a part of the police operation, and three — Joshua Cassie, Andrew Hallam and Peter Ellis — faced Queanbeyan court on Wednesday for multiple drug trafficking charges.
The fourth man was granted bail by police and is expected to face court in October.
Mr Ellis was granted bail, while Mr Hallam did not apply and remains in custody.
Mr Cassie also applied for bail but prosecutors opposed his release.
Mr Cassie's lawyer Ana Qvist said her client had no history of non-compliance with court orders and that his experience in custody overnight had given in him "the desire and motivation to comply with bail".
But police prosecutor Constable Breanna McLean argued there was a strong prosecution case based on telephone intercepts and covert surveillance.
She told the court Mr Cassie was a "principal person" in the drug trafficking operation and, if found guilty, he would likely face a lengthy custodial sentence.
Magistrate Gregory Elks agreed it appeared to be a strong prosecution case and that the defence had not shown cause for Mr Cassie's release.
Mr Cassie was refused bail and remanded in custody until November 8.
Strike Force Sulfur was established by police last year. Police officers from the Australian Federal Police and the dog squad participated in the raids.
All three men are expected to return to court in November.
