Maree Elizabeth Chandler busted after roadside test reveals drug possession, supply

A roadside traffic stop was all it took to expose a Warwick mum’s drug supply operation after she was found in possession of drugs and a phone with incriminating messages.

A Warwick mum has landed in court charged with drug offences after she was busted by police during a routine traffic stop.

Maree Elizabeth Chandler pleaded guilty in Warwick Magistrates Court to five charges, including supplying and possessing drugs, possessing drug utensils, driving under the influence of drugs (provisional licence) and contravening directions given by a police officer.

On May 12, the court was told Chandler was stopped by police and provided a roadside saliva test, coming back with a positive reading for methamphetamine, to which the woman told police she had “smoked three or four bongs the previous day”.

Police conducted a search of Chandler which revealed 0.2g of a dangerous drug and a mobile phone, which officers believed was “used to supply persons with dangerous drugs since April 12”.

After being busted, the 45-year-old failed to attend the police station to give her identifying particulars as required by police.

One month later on June 17, the mother-of-six was pulled over by officers from Warwick CIB on East St for a traffic stop.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Andrew Grafton told the court the officers intercepted the sedan, before conducting a search of the vehicle.

During the search, police located a pipe, as well as bongs located in a bag in the passenger seat.

Duty lawyer Sarah Campbell told the court the woman had “historically used cannabis, but began using amphetamines following the breakdown of a relationship”.

“She is prepared to accept help and wishes to stop,” Ms Campbell said.

Magistrate Andrew Cridland said Chandler only had a short criminal history with only one drug-related matter.

Chandler was released under supervision for 15 month probation order, and suspended from driving for three months.

No conviction was recorded.