Linda Zawada: Dubbo mother on bail after facing court over alleged 25kg Railway Lane cannabis bust

A western NSW woman allegedly involved in a drug ring caught with more than 25kg of cannabis strewn around a property has narrowly been granted bail.

It’s alleged about 25kg of cannabis was found in the home. Photo: Supplied.

A western NSW woman who was allegedly involved in a drug ring caught with more than 25kg of cannabis with a street value of up to $250,000 has narrowly been granted bail.

Linda Zawada is alleged to be one of the “ring leaders in the operation” and is “providing very limited details to police regarding her involvement”, according to court documents.

Zawada faced Dubbo Local Court on Thursday charged with supplying a commercial quantity of cannabis and possessing prohibited drugs on March 29.

No pleas were entered.

Police facts tendered to the court allege Zawada lived where the drug was being grown.

The case is being heard in Dubbo Courthouse.

It’s alleged police attended a Railway Lane, Dubbo home and a “strong smell of cannabis” was noticed coming from the premises about 3.45pm on March 29.

Officers entered the home from the rear and directed the people inside to leave.

“Approximately 20 people exited the premises ... ,” the documents stated.

Police allegedly found “large amounts of cannabis leaf” on top of a fridge and behind some furniture when they checked a bedroom.

Needles, scales and small resealable bags were also found in the first bedroom, it’s alleged.

Continuing their search, police allegedly found a small amount of “dry” cannabis in the “bottom of the oven”.

It’s alleged cannabis was found all over the home. Picture: iStock

In another bedroom, police allegedly located 453g of pre-packaged cannabis in bags.

Officers allegedly found seven bags in the bedroom hidden under the mattress and wardrobe.

“A further box was located near one of the ... beds that had an amount of cannabis leaf in it,” police facts stated.

Police allege 3.5kg of cannabis valued at $27,500 was found in the bedroom

It’s alleged police found cannabis laid across beds and stashed in wardrobes, in rubbish bins, bedside tables and hanging on fishing line.

Room by room, police allegedly found cannabis strewn across beds, in wardrobes, rubbish bins, bedside tables and hanging on fishing lines.

It’s alleged police asked Zawada about the state of a bedroom and said there had been cannabis in there for two days, but she was “unaware” how it got there.

The documents stated Zawada said she had been sleeping in the bedroom, but “police find this hard to believe” because of the “overpowering” smell of cannabis, and because the room was filled with the plant.

Police allege officers were told two Asian men came to the residence two days prior and asked for cannabis to be dried.

Dubbo Courthouse. Picture: Jedd Manning/Western Aerial Productions

The documents stated police also searched three sheds on the property and found more cannabis.

Police facts state officers believe a “commercial quantity” of approximately 25kg of cannabis was discovered, with a street value between $200,000-$250,000.

Zawada’s defence solicitor Rachael Wong said “house arrest isn’t necessary” as his client will be residing in Coonamble with her daughter.

Magistrate Aaron Tang granted Zawada bail with strict conditions.

Zawada cannot contact the co-accused, enter Dubbo, drink alcohol or take illicit drugs.

She was due to face Dubbo Local Court on May 25.