Zach-Matthew Sam Steadman applies for bail on drug trafficking charge

The alleged head of a Sunshine Coast drug trafficking ring who was allegedly involved in a failed $170,000 deal could remain behind bars for his own safety.

Police have raised concerns about the safety of the alleged mastermind behind a marijuana trafficking ring after the Buderim scaffolder was allegedly involved in a failed $170,000 drug deal, a court has heard.

Zach-Matthew Sam Steadman, 24, has been in custody since his arrest in December 2021 after he was caught up in Operation Tango Birch, a police investigation which led to 18 drug-related arrests.

The Maroochydore Magistrates Court heard on Wednesday Mr Steadman had allegedly trafficked marijuana on the Sunshine Coast in 2021 with Ryan Dennehy Elliott of Buderim, 28, and Dennis Michael Barrett of Beerwah, 52.

Mr Steadman’s lawyer Chelsea Emery pushed for his freedom saying he already spent more than three months in the clink.

But police prosecutor Phillip Stephens said police wanted to keep Steadman in custody for his own welfare due to the failed deal.

He alleged Mr Steadman was “entrenched in the drug trafficking business” and had been involved in a $170,000 drug deal that failed to eventuate.

The court heard an extensive police investigation found Mr Steadman was allegedly the head of the drug syndicate.

Sergeant Stephens said wiretaps and phone messages allegedly revealed the extent of his marijuana trafficking.

The court heard apps including Wickr, Snapchat, Facebook and WhatsApp were allegedly used to set up the distribution, purchase and supply of drugs.

Mr Steadman and his co-accused Mr Bartlett and Mr Elliott are yet to enter pleas and remain in custody.

Ms Emery said Mr Steadman’s family were unaware of any drug debt and they had not been threatened.

Zach-Matthew Sam Steadman applied for bail in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court. Picture: Patrick Woods

Ms Emery told the court the 24-year-old scaffolder would comply with any bail conditions and was awaiting more evidence police had on Mr Steadman’s charges.

Magistrate Rod Madsen said police alleged Mr Steadman had been dealing in multiple pounds of marijuana and would serve serious time if he was convicted.

He adjourned the bail application to April 29 to see the status of the evidence brief.

Steadman faces charges of drug trafficking, drug supplying, possessing drugs, receiving or possessing property obtained from trafficking and possessing anything used in the commission of a crime.