Kirsty Evelyn McLeish: Mundubbera woman faces court for alleged drug dealing

The second woman charged over what police allege was a North Burnett drug ‘syndicate’ has wept as a magistrate considered her bid for bail.

A second Burnett woman accused of dealing drugs as part of a meth “syndicate” cried as a magistrate released her on bail despite police objections.

Kirsty Evelyn McLeish is accused of supplying upwards of $6000 worth of meth over more than a year, and was arrested and charge at the closure of Operation Konopie, with the drug operation described by police in court as a “syndicate”.

The Mundubbera woman fronted Murgon magistrates court charged with six counts of supplying drugs and two counts possessing drugs, as well as other minor charges, to apply for bail.

Police prosecutor Barry Stevens opposed the 35-year-old’s bail application, stating McLeish has previously been convicted of supplying drugs.

Sgt Stevens also took issue a submission by defence lawyer Nathan Bouchier that the allegations of supply were at the lower end of the scale.

“I respectfully disagree. While the amounts (of drug) may be small, we’re alleging over $6000 this defendant has profited by her activities,” Sgt Stevens said.

Mr Bouchier said his client would be able to stay with her half-brother in Brisbane if released, removing her from poor influences in the Mundubbera region and allowing her to access drug treatment programs.

McLeish’s bail application came just days after the alleged main player in the “syndicate” was hauled back before the courts.

Mele Lineti Sanipepa Cross was granted bail on Tuesday, November 2, after being charged with more than 140 offences, including 139 counts of supplying dangerous drugs and one count of trafficking drugs.

She was subsequently kicked out of her bail address by her aunt and was arrested upon presenting to Mundubbera police.

She was re-released after a magistrate allowed a variation to her bail, but police revealed new allegations had come to light.

Police will allege text messages between Cross and her husband showed pictures of a revolver and AK-style rifle that were exchanged for meth.

Sgt Stevens told the court Cross texted her husband, saying “I haven’t done this before, but it’s no different to any other anyone does for money”.

Magistrate Andrew Sinclair released McLeish on bail, with her next court date set for January 24 in Maryborough.