POLICE have welcomed news a man extradited from Queensland following a 10-month investigation into Armidale’s illicit drug trade has been denied bail.
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Marcus Crane appeared via video link in the Armidale Local Court on Wednesday in a bid to be released from custody ahead of his hearing.
Crane was extradited from Townsville in early March, accused of operating as a major drug supplier in the region with alleged accomplice Daniel Gallagher.
Outside court, Armidale Superintendent Fred Trench said the arrests were satisfying, but said there was more work to be done to fight what has been dubbed an “ice epidemic”.
“Investigations are continuing,” Superintendent Trench said.
“It’s a supply and demand thing - if there’s a demand for it some people will aim to meet that with their supply.”
Crane faces eight counts of drug-related charges with formal pleas yet to be recorded. Crown solicitor Elizabeth Lehmann told Magistrate Mark Richardson
the prosecution case was very strong, making Crane a significant flight risk.
“The maximum penalty is 20 years imprisonment,” Ms Lehmann said.
“A full custodial sentence is inevitable.”
It is alleged Crane was involved in selling 3700 tablets of ecstasy, 1000 MDMA tablets and the supply of a substantial amount of cannabis, cocaine and amphetamine.
Defence lawyer Yvonne Phillippous argued Crane had a small role in supplying drugs compared to Gallagher.
She said his father’s offer to forfeit $25,000 should Crane fail to appear in court would mitigate any risk. Magistrate Richardson said $25,000 was a fraction of the amount needed to seriously deter Crane from failing to appear in court, suggesting $100,000 would be more appropriate.
“It would need to be raised by the defendant in order to have any great meaning,” Magistrate Richardson said.
“A substantial amount would have to be in cash.”
Crane was denied bail, and will return to court on May 20.
Meanwhile, officers in the New England Local Area Command are coordinating efforts with neighbouring police districts to tackle illegal drug supply.
Superintendant Trench said information from the community helps officers achieve swift results.
“For us to execute search warrants we need to have information,” Mr Trench said.
“And we rely on the community to make that possible.
“We know there are certain members of the public who know certain things and we rely on them to pass on that information.”
