AN Ararat man charged with possessing and trafficking illicit drugs, and possessing stolen items has been remanded in custody.
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Heath Richardson, 38, appeared at Horsham Magistrates' Court on Wednesday for a bail hearing. He was facing 11 charges and represented himself.
Horsham Leading Senior Constable Dave Cosgriff said police opposed bail. Ararat Detective Senior Constable Jason Boyd read the summary of Richardson's charges to the court.
The court heard that Richardson owned two properties in Ararat, one residential and one commercial.
"On March 12, investigators executed search warrants at both addresses and a number of items were seized," Detective Senior Constable Boyd said.
"At the Moore Street address police found a ziplock bag containing 32 grams of methamphetamine; $3000 in cash; a money counting machine; scales; and a chainsaw and bobcat believed to be stolen items.
"At the Lowe Street address, police found a bag containing $1000 in coins; 19 tablets believed to be ecstasy; a chainsaw, nail-gun and motorcycle, which were all believed to be stolen; three stolen vehicles; and a tractor.
"The accused was at home at the Moore Street address at the time of the search warrant and was arrested."
Detective Senior Constable Boyd said the amount of illicit drugs found would classify the offence as possession with intention to traffic. He said investigators also located a number of deposit slips for amounts between $7000 and $30,000.
The court heard Richardson had recently been released from jail and was under a Community Corrections order. It also heard Richardson had told police he was "self-employed".
Detective Senior Constable Boyd said investigators found no psychical evidence during their searches to indicate Richardson was running his own business.
"The accused has a history in possessing stolen goods, and dealing and trafficking illicit drugs. During the police interview, he said the illicit drugs were for personal use," Detective Senior Constable Boyd said.
Richardson told Magistrate Mark Stratmann he would abide by all bail conditions if he was released on bail.
The court heard a witness statement from Richardson's mother, who said she did not want her son living with her if he was released on bail, but said she was willing to "support him in any other way".
Leading Senior Constable Cosgriff said there were no bail conditions that would prevent Richardson from committing further offences while on bail.
Richardson was remanded in custody and will appear at Ararat Magistrates' Court on April 1 at 9.30am.
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