Redbank Plains man Gustavo Enrique Mena, 36, granted bail on massive meth possession charge

A former real estate agent charged by police for allegedly couriering a suspected 10kg meth haul, has been given bail after a magistrate deemed the alleged case against him “light on”.

A logistics worker and former real estate agent charged by police for the alleged possession of a meth haul with a suspected street value “north of a million dollars”, has been released on bail with a $20k surety.

Redbank Plains man Gustavo Enrique Mena, 36, was visibly relieved upon release at his Beenleigh Magistrates Court appearance on Monday (June 27).

The former real estate agent faces a charge each of possessing dangerous drugs schedule 1 drug quantity of or exceeding schedule 4, and possessing anything used in the commission of a crime in part 2.

Police will allege Mena was intercepted on June 24 in Springwood when officers observed an alleged interaction between his vehicle and another.

A search by a senior constable and detective sergeant allegedly uncovered what was suspected to be 10kg of a crystal substance, thought to be methamphetamine, packaged in sandwich bags.

Police prosecutor Tim Wise acknowledged a roadside test was not performed.

Its omission was due to officers not wanting to disturb the alleged evidence, according to Mr Wise.

The court heard should tests confirm the substance as methamphetamine, it could have a street value “north of $1 million”.

An Apple iPhone, which Mena refused to grant access to, and a Samsung mobile phone resting under a car seat were also allegedly found in his possession.

A subsequent search of a property allegedly linked to Mena allegedly uncovered $6,000 cash, a vacuum sealer device and a money counter.

Mr Wise noted a recent 13-year sentence was handed to a defendant found in possession of 3kg meth, to give the court perspective of the alleged haul’s significance.

The prosecution submitted Mena was not only a risk of failing to appear for future court dates, but would likely face significant danger from associates seeking to recoup their alleged lost product.

The alleged risk was further accentuated given Mena was an Australian permanent resident who emigrated from El Salvador in 2004.

Defence solicitor James Heely said there were “fatal flaws” in the prosecution’s case.

“There is no evidence to substantiate on what legal grounds the search of the car would have been undertaken,” Mr Heely said.

“There is no sworn evidence as to what reasonable suspicion may have underlain the search of that car.

“And somewhat unbelievably, there is no testing of the substance; even roadside testing … It well could be floor cleaner for all this court knows.”

The court heard Mena had no criminal history, had studied industrial design at university and worked for years as a real estate agent before committing to logistics.

He would live with his mother in Redbank Plains upon release.

Mr Heely further noted his client had only returned to his former homeland once in 16 years and had let his El Salvadorian passport expire.

Magistrate Terry Duroux said it was hard not to be critical of the case presented by police.

Mr Duroux acknowledged Mena could face a maximum period of 25 years imprisonment, but said the affidavit provided by police was “light on”.

Mena was granted bail on strict conditions and a $20,000 surety.

He was further ordered to surrender all passports, placed on a 6am – 9pm curfew and was banned from entering any international airport terminal.

Mena will also have to report to police three times a week.

He is next scheduled to appear at court on September 14.