Jemma-Lee Sales charged with trafficking drugs after alleged $4.7m meth bust on M1
A woman allegedly found on the M1 with almost $5m worth of meth disguised as imported tea was working as a low-level courier for a drug syndicate, a court has been told.
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A woman allegedly found on the M1 with almost $5m worth of methylamphetamine wrapped in tea packets was working as a low-level courier for a drug syndicate, a court has been told.
Jemma-Lee Sales was arrested after being pulled over by police at Mudgeeraba on Monday night.
Police allege they found about 35kg of meth – with an estimated street value of $4,725,000 – concealed in packages to look like imported tea in the vehicle.
Ms Sales was charged with trafficking dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs, possessing property obtained from proceeds from drug trafficking, and possessing anything used in the commission of a crime.
The 41-year-old was visibly emotional throughout her bail application in Southport Magistrates Court on Friday, and supported by family members and friends in the gallery.
Defence lawyer Alan Phillips said it was alleged the mother of three was working as a low-level courier for a larger drug syndicate, though there was a “lack of evidence” that she knew the exact quantity of drugs being moved.
Mr Phillips said his client’s case was likely to proceed to sentence “in some fashion”, though questions remained around the extent of her alleged criminality, involvement, and any profits made.
He said Ms Sales would contest the proceeds alleged by police, as she may be able to produce receipts supporting claims it was savings from her lawn-mowing work.
Ms Sales was granted bail under several strict conditions including living with a family friend at Beenleigh, wearing an electronic monitoring device, and only possessing one mobile phone.
The court was told her father-in-law would also pay a surety of $100,000.
Her case will return to court on March 28.
A 44-year-old Eagleby man was also charged in relation to the bust and is due to appear in Beenleigh Magistrates Court on April 8.
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Originally published as Jemma-Lee Sales charged with trafficking drugs after alleged $4.7m meth bust on M1