Samuel Colin Minkin, Arron Hyde: Bachelorette contestant to fight drug supply charges

A reality TV show star and his co-accused who were a part of the AFP Operation Ironside arrests will defend their charges at the district court later this year.

A former Bachelorette contestant and his co-accused will fight drug supply charges in the District Court later this year.

Samuel Colin Minkin, 28, and Arron Hyde, 39, appeared in Tweed Heads Local Court on Friday.

Both men have pleaded not guilty to supplying a prohibited drug greater than the large commercial quantity.

The pair were arrested as part of the Australian Federal Police’s Operation Ironside, which used information from the encrypted ANOM app.

It is alleged Mr Hyde, of Eudlo on the Sunshine Coast and Mr Minkin, from Mermaid Beach on the Gold Coast, were found with 166kg of marijuana leaf when they were stopped at Crabbes Creek, near Byron Bay, on May 28, 2021.

Samuel Minkin outside Tweed Heads Courthouse.

Arron Hyde outside Tweed Heads Courthouse.

Police allege the pair were knowingly taking part in drug supply.

Mr Minkin appeared in season six of the Bachelorette Australia faces an additional charge of possessing a prohibited drug which will proceed as a back up charge.

In court both cases were committed to the Lismore District Court where they are to proceed to trial.

The matters were listed for arraignment on June 6.

Both men remain on bail.

Originally published as Samuel Colin Minkin, Arron Hyde: Bachelorette contestant to fight drug supply charges