Clarence Meth dealer Jason Michael Stewart faces Grafton court after police shootout

A Clarence Valley meth dealer who was shot while on the run from police was busted with about $77,000 of meth stashed in the glovebox of a classic car.

Stewart dealt meth in the region before his arrest.

Police shot a major ice dealer who used nine mobile phones and fake identities to shift the insidious drug across the Coffs Harbour and Grafton region, a court has heard.

South Grafton man Jason Michael Stewart was shot in the shoulder when he fled arrest as police closed in on him on April 14 last year, Grafton Local Court was told.

The 30-year-old was caught with a haul of more than $150,000 worth of methamphetamines on his property after using “no less” than the nine phones to deal the drug, which he replaced every couple of weeks.

Police monitored thousands of calls and texts by Stewart, revealing community members desperately seeking the illicit substances, the court heard.

“I like the other stuff better – the stuff you got,” one person wrote.

Communications between Stewart and his customers were captured by police.

Several other customers inquired about the ice Stewart supplied: “I want your hectic db” – referring to a “half ball” of meth.

Stewart has pleaded guilty to 27 prohibited drug supply charges (21 indictable charges) as well as three counts of recklessly dealing with the proceeds of crime and one count of possessing a prohibited drug

He faced Grafton Local Court on January 26.

The court heard in 2021, Stewart was a major meth and cannabis supplier for the Grafton and Coffs Harbour community.

Police were forced to use their pistols when they faced Stewart.

Police monitored his calls and movements, revealing several trips to Sydney to pick up the drugs.

He was eventually tracked down, but when police tried to arrest him in Coffs Harbour last year in April, he fled.

Police were forced to shoot Stewart to the shoulder during the chase, police facts state.

He was arrested and taken to hospital.

No charges were laid relating to the pursuit.

Stewart’s car was searched and an estimated $20,000 worth of cannabis was found (2.2kg), as well as scales and resealable bags.

His South Grafton home was raided shortly after and police seized a further $12,300 in “properties of crime”.

About $77,000 in meth was found in a Austin Healey. File image.

Stewart was found to have 190g of meth stored in a chip packet in the glove box of an Austin Healey car – with a street value of about $77,000.

Officers also seized a bag containing 445g of cannabis with an estimated $4000 street value.

Stewart told police he did not use drugs, but when asked about the value and supply of the drugs, he revealed he was a key figure in an operation, the court heard.

“I’ve got mates to do these sorts of things,” Stewart told police.

He is due to face Grafton District Court for sentencing on March 6.