ALLEGATIONS:

Our client was arrested following a five-month investigation led by the Victoria Joint Organised Crime Taskforce and the Australian Federal Police. The operation targeted the importation of 275kg of crystal methylamphetamine, valued at approximately $275 million, concealed in false floors of three shipping containers from China.

The investigation involved extensive surveillance, including optical surveillance devices and telephone intercepts. Our client was captured on surveillance loading a vehicle with 100 vacuum-sealed bags of crystal substance weighing 100kg. He was arrested at the scene and refused bail by a bail justice.

CHARGES:

Our client was charged with:

• trafficking a large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine

an offence carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. He also had a prior criminal history involving cannabis cultivation, theft, and dealing with proceeds of crime.

Bail Application

Due to the seriousness of the charge, our client was required to meet the “Exceptional Circumstances” threshold, the highest legal threshold for bail in Victoria.

Adding to the urgency, our client was due to be married within months. Everything had been planned, booked, and family members were travelling from overseas to attend.

Despite police opposition, we acted immediately upon receiving instructions and worked tirelessly to prepare a comprehensive bail application. Within one month of his arrest, our client was granted bail, allowing him to attend his wedding.

OUTCOME:

From day one, our criminal defence lawyers meticulously reviewed every piece of evidence, identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. We were determined to have the charges withdrawn and pursued every legal avenue to achieve that.

Understanding the emotional and financial toll of lengthy court proceedings, we aimed to resolve the matter early—and we succeeded. Before the case even reached a Committal Hearing, the charge was formally withdrawn in the Magistrates’ Court.

In a further win, we successfully applied for the police to cover our client’s legal costs. The looming threat of a lengthy prison sentence and the fear of missing his child’s upbringing were lifted.

This case is a powerful example of how early, strategic legal intervention can change the course of a person’s life. Our drug offence lawyers acted swiftly and decisively, securing the best possible outcome without the need for a trial.

ALLEGATIONS:

Our client was intercepted by police while driving a vehicle in which officers located 110 grams of crystal methylamphetamine hidden under the driver’s seat, along with a bottle of liquid believed to be GHB. He was also found in possession of over $16,000 in cash. When served with a warrant to access his mobile phone, he failed to provide the correct passcode.

He was remanded in custody and refused bail by a bail justice.

CHARGES:

Our client faced multiple serious charges, including:

1. Trafficking a commercial quantity of methylamphetamine
2. Possession of methylamphetamine
3. Trafficking GHB
4. Possession of GHB
5. Negligently dealing with proceeds of crime
6. Failing to comply with an order to access a data storage device

Due to the indictable nature of the charges, the case was expected to proceed through the Committal process in the Magistrates’ Court and ultimately to the County Court, where he faced a maximum penalty of 25 years imprisonment.

Bail Application

Given the seriousness of the charges, our client had to demonstrate “exceptional circumstances” to be granted bail. Police opposed bail, citing concerns that he posed an unacceptable risk of failing to appear, reoffending, and breaching bail conditions, especially given his prior criminal history and previous breaches of bail.

Our bail application lawyers began preparing immediately upon his arrest. Within six days, we filed for bail application. We worked closely with his family, employer, and support services to present a strong case for his release. Our client’s desire to return to legitimate employment and support his newborn child was central to our argument, and we succeeded. Bail was granted.

OUTCOME:

Thanks to our early and thorough preparation, we were able to negotiate with the prosecution before the matter reached the Committal Hearing. As a result:

• The trafficking commercial quantity charge was downgraded to trafficking a traffickable quantity, reducing the maximum penalty from 25 years to 15 years.
• Charges of possessing methylamphetamine, trafficking GHB, and possessing GHB were withdrawn.

We then successfully applied to have the matter finalised in the Magistrates’ Court through a process known as a summary jurisdiction application. This was a critical step, as the maximum penalty in the Magistrates’ Court is capped at 2 years imprisonment, significantly less than what could be imposed in the County Court.

Our client accepted a Sentence Indication and pleaded guilty to:

1. Trafficking methylamphetamine
2. Dealing with proceeds of crime
3. Failing to comply with an order to access a data storage device

He was sentenced to a 2-year Community Corrections Order—no prison time.

This case highlights the importance of early legal intervention and strategic negotiation. Our client avoided a lengthy and costly trial, saved thousands in legal fees, and was able to return to his family and employment only days after his arrest, and his case finalised within three months of his arrest. Our criminal defence lawyers were committed from day one to achieving the best possible outcome and we delivered.