A CONTINUING drug investigation by detectives into an “ice” syndicate run by alleged mastermind Malcolm Collins led to another two men appearing in court yesterday on numerous charges.
Jordan Elliott Power and Tydess James Bourke have been described as key players in the syndicate with drugs being brought in from Sydney.
It is alleged that Power went to Sydney at least seven times to collect methamphetamine.
His car was photographed and monitored by covert officers who had him under surveillance.
Bourke was described in Albury Local Court yesterday as one of the main “runners” for Collins.
It is alleged he delivered and supplied drugs to a large network of users in Albury.
Power, 21, of Burma Road, Table Top, has been charged with 18 offences including supplying more than the indictable quantity of ice, supplying drugs on an ongoing basis and being part of a criminal group activity.
Bourke, 19, of Young Street, Albury, faces 17 counts with numerous drug supply matters, supplying on an ongoing basis and being part of a criminal group.
Both made applications for bail, but Power was remanded in custody and Bourke bailed on stringent conditions to live with his mother.
Their apprehension takes the total to 12 people charged after the establishment of Strike Force Roder in March last year.
It used phone monitoring surveillance and arrested several people in October.
There have been continuing arrests as drug squad detectives meticulously go through their surveillance on calls, with more arrests likely to take place.
Magistrate Tony Murray was told Power brought back 169 grams of ice from Sydney.
It had a potential street value of $101,400 for him and Collins if sold for $600 a gram locally.
It was alleged Collins phoned Power in September to say he was running out of drugs and wanted to “keep things rolling”.
Collins claimed he would lose $5000 if Power did not make an immediate trip to Sydney.
Solicitor Andrea MacDonald said Power had no previous convictions and his parents were keen to help him with his rehabilitation.
Mr Murray refused bail and said Power would spend years in jail if convicted of the offences.
More than 22,000 calls were monitored from July to October last year and Bourke’s involvement was identified.
Collins changed his phone four times during that period.
Bourke got money and drugs for his involvement in delivering and supplying.
Bourke was released on $1000 bail, with a $5000 surety, $5000 cash deposit and was banned from contacting any co-accused.
He must report daily to police and keep a 6pm to 7am curfew.