Hornsby 142 Brothel: alleged drug ringleader Jun Jia refused bail

Hornsby brothel’s alleged drug ringleader, Jun Jia, has appeared via video link in court today in an attempt to be released on bail.

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The alleged ringleader behind a sophisticated drug ring operating out of a brothel on Sydney’s upper north shore has been refused bail in Hornsby Local Court — despite the three other co-accused being released with strict conditions.

Strathfield man, Jun Jia, 28, was arrested during a raid on a brothel at 142 George St, Hornsby, by police Strike Force Kilday on September 13 and appeared by video link in Hornsby Court on Wednesday.

A six-month investigation has led to the arrest of four people and the seizure of drugs and cash from a brothel in Sydney’s north. Picture: NSW Police

Police allegedly found Mr Jia with up to 250g of methamphetamine during the police operation. The operation was planned during a six-month investigation, resulting in eight charges including: four counts of supply prohibited drug; supply prohibited drug (commercial quantity); participate in a criminal group; possess prohibited drug and be found on drug premises.

The front of 142 George Street, Hornsby the location of an alleged sophisticated drug ring operating out of a brothel on Sydney's upper north shore. (AAP Image / Julian Andrews)

The defendant’s lawyer offered up a series of strict bail conditions in an attempt to release Mr Jia, including daily reporting to Burwood Police, avoiding Sydney Airport, the commitment of a $40,000 surety from his father and an order to stop the 28-year-old from entering the Hornsby CBD or contacting his co-accused.

“He is the only co-accused that has not been granted bail,” the lawyer said.

However, Hornsby Local Court Magistrate Bruce Williams said he feared for the safety of witnesses and rejected the offer of surety.

“When it comes to the $40,000 commitment from Mr Jia’s father, I don’t believe this would prevent the defendant from reoffending,” Magistrate Williams said.

In March this year, Kuring Gai Police Area Command established Strike Force Kilday to investigate an alleged drug distribution operation in the Hornsby area. Picture: NSW Police

“There are large amounts of money involved in the drug trade so surety won’t work in these circumstances.”

He said Mr Jia was charged with a “series of very serious drug supply offences” and has a “long rap sheet when it comes to previous charges”.

“He is a person that has shown he is very capable of serious offences,” Magistrate Williams said. “The accused is an unacceptable risk on the the community and bail will not be granted.”

The premises is the location of an alleged sophisticated drug ring operating out of a brothel on Sydney's upper north shore. (AAP Image / Julian Andrews)

A NSW Police spokeswoman said police will allege that a sophisticated drug distribution network operated out of the brothel, where sex workers were used to sell prohibited substances.

Strike force police allegedly seized cash, methylamphetamine, heroin and cannabis in the operation, with drug paraphernalia allegedly uncovered in several rooms.

Mr Jia will reappear befor Hornsby Local Court on November 30.