Queensland father Richard Karl Kaye denied bail in SA after police find 10kg of cannabis in toolbox

A father of three will remain behind bars after he was allegedly caught with 10kg of cannabis in a tool chest he was delivering to someone at Bunnings, a court heard.

A Queensland man who was allegedly caught with 10kg of cannabis in a tool chest told police he had no idea what was inside, a court heard.

Richard Karl Kaye, 53, was denied home detention bail in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday, after a magistrate remarked what a “strange transaction” it was.
The court heard Mr Kaye arrived in Adelaide on August 26 after flying from his home state of Queensland.

Police stopped the MG4 Excite hire car Mr Kaye was driving on War Memorial Drive, Adelaide, near the Adelaide Oval just after 2pm on August 27.

A search of the vehicle allegedly revealed a tool chest containing 21 vacuum-sealed bags of cannabis, totalling 10.5kg.

Richard Karl Kaye has been charged with drug trafficking after police allegedly located 10kg of cannabis in his possession. Pictures: Facebook

The court heard Mr Kaye told police he was asked to collect the chest and deliver it to a person at the Adelaide Airport Bunnings.
He also said he wasn’t aware of what was inside the chest and wasn’t receiving any payment for the delivery.
“Well I don't know about you but that’s a strange transaction, isn’t it?” Magistrate Simon Smart remarked.

Richard Kaye was charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of drugs after police found a toolbox with cannabis inside. Photo: SA Police

Police stopped a grey MG4 Excite hire car on War Memorial Drive, Adelaide, near the Adelaide Oval. Photo: SA Police

Mr Kaye has been charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of drugs and driving while suspended.
The court heard Mr Kaye, a father-of-three, had a lengthy history of offending across the country.
Rohan Roesler, for Mr Kaye, told the court his client’s reason for the trip was to visit his mother who has Alzheimer's.

Mr Roesler said the allegations were currently contested and Mr Kaye could live with his friend in Hope Valley if released from custody.

Despite prosecution saying they weren’t opposed to home detention bail, Mr Smart denied Mr Kaye bail, due to the seriousness of the allegations and his risk of absconding.