Accused drug trafficker Joshua Peter Moore committed to stand trial in Supreme Court

A man allegedly involved in a cross-border cocaine ring – charged with purchasing a Lamborghini with the proceeds – has learned whether he will face trial before a jury. Read the latest

Joshua Moore. Picture: Facebook.

The fate of a man allegedly involved in a cross-border cocaine ring – charged with purchasing a Lamborghini and luxury watches with the proceeds – will be decided by a jury.

Joshua Peter Moore was one of several men charged after police intercepted an alleged drug courier van on the southern Gold Coast in November, 2021.

It was reported at the time that police allegedly found about 1kg of cocaine – worth $380,000 – hidden inside two cryovac bags hidden inside a paint tin in the van.

Mr Moore faces several charges including trafficking dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs, and possessing anything used in the commission of a crime.

Joshua Moore. Picture: Facebook

He is also charged with receiving or possessing property obtained from trafficking including a Lamborghini, luxury watches, and more than $950,000 in cash.

Southport Magistrates Court was told during committal proceedings on Wednesday that more than 120 witness statements were involved in the case.

One of Mr Moore’s co-accused, Mitchell Craig Barrow, and a detective who interviewed him at the Southport watchhouse about two weeks after his arrest were both cross-examined at committal.

Mr Barrow told the court he could not clearly recall what was said during either his first or second interviews with police, but said he did initially lie about the number of trips to New South Wales he had made during the alleged trafficking period.

Joshua Moore from Facebook

He claimed he was paid about $14,500 for the interstate trips, which police had not tried to recover from him.

Mr Moore’s defence barrister Alastair McDougall said there were several things from Mr Barrow’s second recorded interview with police – including the reported lies – that were not included in the signed statement later prepared by police.

The court was told police alleged Mr Moore helped co-ordinate drug transportation via online messaging, using the user handle ‘Uncle Charlie’.

Mr McDougall claimed there was no clear evidence before the court that day linking his client to either the Lamborghini or the address where the cash was found.

Magistrate Jane Bentley committed Mr Moore to trial in the Brisbane Supreme Court at the end of proceedings, granting him bail with his existing conditions.

Mr Moore’s co-accused are due to have their cases mentioned in the Supreme Court next week.

Originally published as Accused drug trafficker Joshua Peter Moore committed to stand trial in Supreme Court