Kristaps Fridemanis, Annette Lea Keir, alleged drug trafficking duo refused bail

A man and a woman allegedly part of a “sophisticated” drug smuggling set-up were nabbed after an alleged drug deal on Monday night.

Bags of suspected illicit substances found by police. Picture: ACT Policing

A man and a woman charged with drug trafficking have faced court after being arrested on Monday night.

ACT Police arrested Kristaps Fridemanis, 36, of Cook, and Annette Keir, 43, of Coombs, after a suspected drug deal about 10.30pm.

Police allege they searched Mr Fridemanis’ car where they found 19 clip-seal bags filled with illicit substances including methamphetamine, synthetic heroin, prescription medications and cash.

Police later searched a Cook house about 11.30pm and allegedly found a large sum of cash, and chemicals typically used to manufacture drugs.

Items found at a residence in Cook ACT. Picture: ACT Policing

Due to the substances allegedly found at the property, police said they had to stop the search of the house until Tuesday.

Mr Fridemanis is facing charges of receiving stolen property – namely a bottle of Penfolds 407 -, possession of property suspected of being the proceeds of crime, and trafficking a controlled drug other than cannabis.

His lawyer applied for bail on his behalf and told the court Mr Fridemanis worked casually as a construction worker, was a permanent resident of Australia, and had last been in trouble with the law in 2013.

She said the concerns from prosecutors about reoffending, failing to appear, tampering with evidence and safety of the public were entirely based on “assumptions” by police and could be curbed by strict bail conditions.

The prosecutor said police were likely to lay further charges against him and the alleged offending could relate to a “suspected clandestine lab”.

She said there were hundreds of phone calls and messages between Mr Fridemanis and Ms Keir.

Magistrate Glenn Theakston refused bail of two people suspected of drug trafficking.

The prosecutor said she was concerned Mr Fridemanis could try to flee because he is a foreign national.

Magistrate Glenn Theakston ultimately denied Mr Fridemanis bail citing the “foul nature” of the allegations of drug trafficking.

Mr Theakston also refused Ms Keir bail when she appeared shortly after her co-accused.

She is charged with receiving stolen property and trafficking a controlled drug other than cannabis.

Her lawyer said police were yet to provide specific details about the substances found and about the quantity of the substances.

“This is important for a trafficking charge,” he said.

The lawyer also said his client’s communication with Mr Fridemanis, and the “slang” used in their communication, could be explained by the fact his client is a sex worker.

He said Ms Keir had not stayed at her house for a few days and had another person living in her residence.

The lawyer said the substances found in Ms Keir’s home could be from her house guest.

He said despite police alleging there was a drug deal, no drugs were found on Ms Keir’s body, and the lawyer said his client had addressed previous drug abuse issues and abstained from drugs.

In refusing bail Mr Theakston said the allegations against Ms Keir were “sophisticated”

“I’m concerned about her failing to appear,” he said.

Mr Fridemanis will face again court on January 31, and Ms Keir will face court again on February 2.