A WODONGA man who allegedly arranged to buy a large quantity of precursors for the manufacture of methylamphetamine with a street value of $84 million was refused bail yesterday.
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Police alleged in Wodonga Magistrates Court that Jean-Paul Gorka, 29, ordered, obtained and financed the purchase of three different precursors in part of an extensive drug manufacturing operation stretching from Victoria to South Australia.
Detective Sen-Constable Jennifer Locke said the precursors had the potential of producing methylamphetamine with an estimated worth of $8.8 million with 60 per cent purity.
But the normal street level purity of 20 to 25 per cent increased the drug’s potential value to $84.4 million based on analysis by forensic chemists.
Gorka, of William Street, Wodonga, appeared yesterday charged with conspiracy to manufacture or traffic a large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine.
Four other men have previously been charged after raids last year, with one remanded in custody and three others released on bail.
Gorka represented himself yesterday and made a bail application before magistrate Tom Barrett.
Mr Barrett was told police began investigations last year into the manufacture of methylamphetamine.
Sen-Constable Locke told the court police had more than 4000 telephone intercepts involving Gorka.
Sen-Constable Locke said the drug manufacture was linked to outlaw motorcycle gangs with several laboratories identified and equipment seized.
Police made arrests in Wodonga in November and South Australia.
Gorka attended a drug laboratory in South Australia when police were searching it.
Sen-Constable Locke said it was a considerable commercial enterprise and one man was arrested with $84,000 cash in his possession.
She said Gorka was aware of co-offenders being arrested in the Wodonga area in November and stayed in South Australia.
But he recently returned to Wodonga and was arrested on Friday night with bail being refused.
Sen-Constable Locke said it was believed Gorka financed purchasing the precursors and paid thousands of dollars which were transferred electronically.
Two co-accused have made admissions about the involvement of Gorka and themselves.
Sen-Constable Locke said police opposed bail for Gorka because they regarded him a flight risk.
Mr Barrett remanded Gorka in custody to the Melbourne Magistrates Court on June 4.
