Luke Grinter charged with trafficking controlled drug

A Morphett Vale man previously convicted and jailed for drug dealing is behind bars again after police raided his house.

A Morphett Vale man has been refused bail after police allegedly found methamphetamine and GHB while conducting a firearms check.

Luke Grinter appeared in the Christies Beach Magistrate court on Wednesday, charged with one count of drug trafficking.

The court heard police attended Mr Grinter’s home earlier in the week as he was subjected to a firearms check when they allegedly found a “significant amount” of drugs.

Christies Beach Magistrates Court. Picture: Kaysee Miller

“Investigations are still on going,” the police prosecutor said.

“The officers (allegedly) noticed what was a white crystal substance on the coffee table.

“A further search of the premises found 120 grams of methamphetamine as well as 50 grams of GBH.”

Scales, a tick list as well as resealable bags were also allegedly found in the house.

Prosecution were opposed to bail, submitting there could be a risk evidence could be tampered while the investigation is still underway.

The court heard Mr Grinter was recently convicted for possessing a firearm as well as three counts of trafficking a controlled drug in the District Court back in 2015.

He was sentenced to three years, 18 months non parole.

The defence counsel for Mr Grinter told the court her client is “contesting the charges wholly”.

“He is suffering with arthritis and takes three lots of medication a day,” she said.

“He has some but not a lot on him, we would ask for home detention to be explored.”

Offences involving large commercial quantities attract a maximum fine of $1,000,000 and/or life imprisonment.

Magistrate Natalie Browne refused bail due to the “serious” nature of the allegation as well as Mr Grinter’s previous criminal history.

“There is no doubt he is facing imprisonment with the charges if found guilty,’ she said.

“The prosecution case is strong.”

The matter will return to court in February.