John Wright: Rebels vice-president on bail after drug trafficking and weapons arrest

John Wright, the Canberra vice-president of the Rebels outlaw motor cycle club, has faced court after being charged with drug trafficking and weapons possession.

The Canberra vice-president of the Rebels outlaw motorcycle club has been released on bail after he was arrested on drug trafficking and weapons charges.

John Wright, 46, who is also known as John Winchester, was charged with one count of trafficking a controlled drug other than cannabis and possessing a prohibited weapon without a licence.

He was further charged with failing to comply with a 3LA order after refusing to give police a passcode to access phones seized by police during a search warrant.

Magistrate James Lawson granted Wright bail under the supervision of ACT policing until his next court appearance in December.

John Wright leaves ACT Magistrates Court accompanied by an associate. Picture: Julia Kanapathippillai

Prosecutor Sam Bargwanna said he was concerned Wright could access, alter or delete items on the seized mobile phones through the cloud.

A further condition was made to ensure Wright would only have access to a basic phone so he could not alter or delete items on the phones through the cloud.

Another concern brought up by the prosecution was the possibility Wright could influence or intimidate witnesses to a separate case before the ACT Magistrate’s Court that relates to another Rebels member.

The court heard Wright had a limited criminal history including some driving offences from 2006 and 2007 and an apprehended violence order in 2008 which was later dismissed.

John Wright leaves ACT Magistrates Court. Picture: Julia Kanapathippillai

Defence solicitor Charlene Harris said her client would be less likely to commit further crimes on bail especially while under police supervision

According to the statement of facts, Wright was arrested at 8.15pm on Thursday while he was seated in the front seat of a Nissan X-trail with Queensland registration.

After searching Wright and the X-Trail, ACT Policing officers executed a search warrant on his Braddon unit and his white Holden Commodore Ute.

During the search at his home police will allege they found a mobile phone; a bundle of cash amounting to $15,000; a separate bundle of cash amounting to $150; a set of knuckle dusters; a crystal substance wrapped in foil, small ziplock bags; and two small freezer bags containing powder suspected to be cocaine.

Knuckle busters and a phone found in a fruitbowl at John Wright's Braddon Unit. Picture: ACT Policing

Cash found at John Wright's Braddon Unit. Picture: ACT Policing

Cash found at John Wright's Braddon Unit. Picture: ACT Policing

White powder and small ziplock bags found in John Wright's Braddon Unit. Picture: ACT Policing

Police said they observed white powder on the kitchen bench, electronic scales and a blender both with white powder residue.

In the car space for Wright’s apartment, police allege they found a silver Renault van with NSW plates which contained hydroponic equipment.

A guide to growing plants using hydroponic equipment was found in one of the bedrooms in the apartment, police will allege.

Wright was asked to give police access to the phone found in the house yet he declined to give police a pass code to open the phone.

A second phone was found in the boot of the Nissan X-trail and Wright again declined to give police a pass code to open the phone.

Wright will appear at the ACT Magistrates court on December 16.