Man warned he’s on ‘thin ice’ after 1kg MDMA find

Cannonvale man asks for his freedom and says he plans to contest the charges against him.

Drugs and items uncovered during a police search in Airlie Beach on Thursday. Police allege more than 1kg of MDMA was uncovered.

A MAGISTRATE told a Cannonvale man he was on 'thin ice' after he fronted court over $360,000 worth of MDMA found in a room he was renting.

Luke Joseph Saliba, 36, was allegedly found with 40.5g of MDMA in the car he was driving and police allege a further 1.2kg was found back at his Airlie Beach unit last week.

He first appeared in Proserpine Magistrates Court on Friday on multiple drug charges including drug supply and possession.

But he was remanded in custody and his case was adjourned to Monday so police could check his nominated bail address.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Emma Myors told the court the street value of the drugs was estimated to be $360,000 and Mr Saliba had a key to the room where they were found.

 

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Sgt Myors argued if Mr Saliba was granted bail, there was a risk he would not come back to court as he had said he was planning to move back to Wollongong.

But lawyer Ali Ladd said Mr Saliba contested the charges against his name and was willing to comply with bail conditions, including wearing an ankle monitor if required.

She said her client had no criminal history in Queensland and only one matter on his New South Wales criminal history which was "reasonably minor".

Magistrate James Morton said told Mr Saliba the allegations levelled against him were serious and, if found guilty, there was "no doubt" he would face a stint in jail.

"Be aware, Mr Saliba, that you are on thin ice, believe me, goodbye," Mr Morton said as the man left the dock.

Mr Morton decided to grant Mr Saliba bail, allowing him to live at a property in Brisbane with his mum.

But Mr Saliba, who is on a disability pension, was given a curfew and must be at home between 6pm and 6am each day, as well as reporting to the police station every Friday.

Mr Saliba's matters were adjourned and will be mentioned again in Proserpine Magistrates Court on September 28.

Cannonvale woman Jessica Elizabeth Leech, 29, was also charged after the drugs were seized from the Airlie Beach unit last week.

She appeared in Proserpine Magistrates Court on Friday but was not granted bail.

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