A "sophisticated business structure", the possession of a .345 calibre revolver and his "major role in drug supply in the Albury-Wodonga area" meant a young Thurgoona man must stay in jail, police have said.
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Prosecutor Sergeant Andrew Pike said on Monday morning that police strongly opposed Connor Tristian Thorn-Barnstable's first bid for bail since his arrest in mid-October.
Thorn-Barnstable would, he said, "continue to be a threat to the community".
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Magistrate Richard Funston quickly outlined several reasons as to why Thorn-Barnstable's application was doomed to fail.
These comprised allegations of a "large number of pills found" on the defendant and the recovery of a "large amount of cash" and the firearm.
In response, Sergeant Pike told Mr Funston that it was for these very reasons that police opposed bail.
Sergeant Pike said police alleged that Thorn-Barnstable was running a "sophisticated drug supply business" and was in possession of 150 MDMA pills on his arrest.
Thorn-Barnstable appeared in Albury Local Court via a video link to Parklea Correctional Centre, where he has been held since October 16.
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The heavy-set, bearded 22-year-old, supported in court on Monday by family members including his parents, faces 18 charges.
These are possess an unregistered firearm or pistol, not keep a firearm or pistol safely, possess ammunition without a permit or licence, dealing with the proceeds of crime, four counts of possess or use a prohibited weapon without a permit, supply cannabis at less than an indictable or commercial quantity, three counts of supply a prohibited drug and five counts of possess prohibited drugs.
Thorn-Barnstable's alleged drug supply activities were uncovered during a police search of his Thurgoona home that only took place in the wake of an alleged home invasion at the property.
More than 80 items were seized, including drugs, mobile phones, computers, a firearm and a large number of prohibited gel blaster weapons, along with more than $50,000 in cash.
Defence lawyer Kathy Hall said Thorn-Barnstable's father was willing to have his son live with him at Gerogery and his employer was also willing to take him back.
Ms Hall said Thorn-Barnstable had no criminal record and was "not the only occupant of the house"
"He has no history of violence, nor was there any violence on the day in question."
But Mr Funston said Thorn-Barnstable was facing full-time jail if convicted.
"The more serious concerns of the court would be that you would continue to commit serious offences," he said, while noting the safety of the community was also paramount.
All charges were adjourned to January 21.
