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Andrew Tieu charged with having $35K in car at Cabramatta club

A Burwood man facing serious drug supply charges has been found with suspicious items in his car at a Cabramatta club. Find out the reason he allegedly had so much money on a Friday night.

Andrew Tieu facing serious drug supply charges has been found with suspicious items in his car at a Cabramatta Bowling Club. Picture: Google Maps
Andrew Tieu facing serious drug supply charges has been found with suspicious items in his car at a Cabramatta Bowling Club. Picture: Google Maps

A Burwood man has been refused bail after he was found with $35,000 in cash inside his car only days before his serious drug charges were expected to be withdrawn.

Andrew Tieu, 42, sought release in Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday after he was arrested in a Cabramatta Bowling Club car park the night prior.

Tieu is subject to strict conditional bail conditions related to serious allegations of drug supply.

The court heard those charges were going to be withdrawn on Wednesday at Burwood Local Court after Tieu told investigators who actually owned the drugs, with further inquiries revealing there was no supporting evidence such as Tieu‘s DNA found on the drug packaging.

As part of his bail conditions for those charges, Tieu was not allowed to leave his house unless in the company of his father; was only allowed one mobile phone and was on a night time curfew.

However police found him at the club, despite being prohibited from drinking alcohol or taking illegal drugs.

Andrew Tieu sought release after he was found in a Cabramatta Bowling Club with $35,000 and alleged weapons in his car. Picture: Google Maps
Andrew Tieu sought release after he was found in a Cabramatta Bowling Club with $35,000 and alleged weapons in his car. Picture: Google Maps

Police allegedly found $35,800 of Australian cash inside his car when they searched him about 8pm.

In court, Tieu’s lawyer Ertunc Ozen said his client was using the cash to pay outstanding bills to his solicitor for the work on the drug supply case and the pair had scheduled a meeting for that purpose on Friday night.

Mr Ozen said for some reason Tieu decided to “pop” into the club.

He said bank withdrawal receipts dating back to 2021 were allegedly found with the cash.

Police also alleged Tieu was found in possession of a knife and taser.

Andrew Tieu was refused bail in Parramatta Bail Court.
Andrew Tieu was refused bail in Parramatta Bail Court.

Mr Ozen said the kitchen knife was still in its original packaging and the taser was actually an electric lighter.

However police alleged it looked like a taser and created a “spark” when used.

Tieu was also found with two mobile phones and two grams of methamphetamine.

Tieu was charged with dealing in the proceeds of crime, possessing a prohibited weapon, using a prohibited weapon contrary to a prohibition order, possessing prohibited drugs and custody of a knife in a public place.

Magistrate Michael Stoddart said despite what expected to happen on Wednesday with the serious drug supply charges, Tieu still had to abide by the strict condition of his bail.

“It certainly doesn’t give him licence to do what he wants,” he said.

Mr Stoddart was sceptical of the explanation of why Tieu had so much cash, noting he had previously been convicted for proceeds of crime offences.

He acknowledged the prosecution case for the weapons charges was not strong and would need more evidence.

Mr Stoddart refused to grant Tieu bail noting he was already on conditional liberty at the time of the fresh offences, had a lengthy criminal record and the risk of him committing offences was too high.

Tieu will appear in Burwood Local Court on Wednesday.

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/inner-west/andrew-tieu-charged-with-having-35k-in-car-at-cabramatta-club/news-story/74faf7abf862bb64879e96c6fd0f0d61