Drug bunker accused James Stuart Taylor released on home detention bail

A father accused of running an elaborate drug bunker from his semirural property has been released on bail and is allowed to talk to his co-accused – his own son.

A father accused of running a complex drug bunker with his son has been granted bail.

James Stuart Taylor, 53, and his son Ezekiel James Owen Jones, 20, were arrested last week after police raided their semirural 27 acre Coromandel East property and discovered an elaborate underground grow house.

On Monday, Mr Taylor appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court applying for bail on multiple charges including money laundering, cultivating cannabis, trafficking a controlled drug and possessing two gel blasters.

Magistrate Brian Nitschke heard while police prosecutors did not oppose Mr Taylor being released on home detention bail, they were against him being allowed to communicate with Mr Jones, his co-accused.

Appearing via video link from the Adelaide Remand Centre, Mr Taylor covered his face with his hands when he heard he might not be able to communicate with his son.

Ezekiel (Zeke) James Owen Jones appeared in court after police uncovered a drug bunker at Coromandel East on Monday. Picture: facebook

Casey Isaacs, for Mr Taylor, argued that both men had already been interviewed by police and any concerns about collusion would come to light if their stories suddenly changed.

Mr Nitschke allowed Mr Taylor to continue talking with his son as the court process continues.

Mr Taylor was released on home detention bail to different address than the house where the bunker was located.

James Stuart Taylor appeared in court after police uncovered a drug bunker at Coromandel East on Monday. Picture: facebook

Both men will appear in court again in May.

During the initial application for bail on January 27, the court heard that Mr Taylor had a history of drug offending.

Police said during the raid of the property they found 30g of cocaine and $60,000 in cash in one of the bedrooms at the property.

But it was unclear in whose bedroom the drugs and cash had been located.

Footage and photos released by police show that the door to the drug bunker was covered with camouflage netting and was set into the side of a mound.

Detective Superintendent Billy Thompson, Officer in Charge of Serious and Organised Crime Branch, said the discovery of the concealed underground bunker “illustrates the lengths that those involved in organised crime will go to in attempting to conceal their illegal activities”.