Michelle Wise granted bail over serious drug supply charges

The woman allegedly let the principal of a meth syndicate live at her Sutherland home and supply drugs from it. Find out what happened in court when she applied for bail.

A woman who allegedly helped the principal of a drug syndicate supply meth and stay at her Sutherland home has been granted bail.

Michelle Annette Wise, 63, appeared in Sutherland Local Court on Thursday where she successfully sought release after being in custody for more than a month.

The court heard Sutherland Shire police officers executed search warrants at homes in May where drugs, cash and weapons were found following an investigation by Strike Force Glenogle.

The unit was established in January 2022 to investigate the sale of methylamphetamine, commonly referred to as ice.

Detectives raided two premises in Glencoe Street, Sutherland, about 6.30am on May 17 where meth, $4190 cash and prohibited weapons including an electronic stun device, knives and a whip were seized.

Police allege Wise, who has lived at one of the homes for 27 years, had let Robert Brown, 53, stay with her.

Wise and Brown along with co-accused David Te Whare, 34, Keith Dehler, 51, and Tamara Terrens, 39, were arrested and taken to Sutherland Police Station.

Brown was charged with supplying a commercial quantity of prohibited drugs, supplying an indictable quantity of prohibited drugs, knowingly or recklessly direct criminal group, deal with proceeds of crime and possess prohibited drug.

Wise was charged with two counts of supplying an indictable quantity of prohibited drug, possessing or using a prohibited weapon without permit, participating in a criminal group, owner/occupier knowingly allowing use as drug premise, and dealing with the proceeds of crime.

Police allege the syndicate supplied meth to customers. Picture: NSW Police

In Sutherland Local Court on Thursday, Wise’ lawyer said her client had a medical issue that made her time in custody onerous, with the Magistrate Paul Mulroney agreeing she would not receive the same medical care as when in the community.

The court heard Wise allowed Brown to use her home, which was allegedly used as a drug premises.

Police intercepted phone calls between Brown and Wise where she allegedly made drug deals and contacted customers.

Wise’s lawyer noted she may not face a full time custodial sentence if convicted and had an ongoing heroin addiction.

Seven members of an alleged syndicate were arrested and charged. Picture: NSW Police

Magistrate Mulroney said the risk of Wise being in the community was lowered because Brown had been remanded in custody.

He agreed she may not face full time custody if convicted and granted bail.

Wise must live at her Sutherland home, not contact any co-accused, not allow any other person to enter her home except her adult son, or for the purposes of medical services and property maintenance.

An acceptable person also had to acknowledge she would comply with her bail conditions before Magistrate Mulroney told her, “any stuff up and you will be back into the green tracksuit”.

Meanwhile, Te Whare was charged with supplying an indictable quantity of prohibited drug, supplying prohibited drug and participating in a criminal group.

Dahler was charged with supplying a small amount of prohibited drugs and participating in a criminal group.

Terrens was charged with two counts of supplying an indictable quantity of prohibited drug, four counts of possessing or using a prohibited weapon without permit, owner/occupier knowingly allowing use as drug premise, dealing with the proceeds of crime and participating in a criminal group.

Drugs, cash and weapons were seized in raids at homes in Sutherland, Kirrawee and Caringbah in May. Picture: NSW Police

Detectives executed a further search warrant at a premise on the Princes Highway, Kirrawee, about 7am on May 17 where they seized methylamphetamine, heroin, precursor chemicals, $17,050 cash and prohibited weapons including a slingshot and flick knife.

A 48-year-old man, Tim Newton, was arrested and also taken to Sutherland Police Station.

He was charged with three counts of supplying an indictable quantity of prohibited drugs, two counts of possessing or using a prohibited weapon without permit, owner/occupier knowingly allowing use as drug premise, dealing with the proceeds of crime, and three counts of possessing prohibited drug.

Strike Force Glenogle was established to investigate the alleged supply of meth. Picture: NSW Police

Following further inquiries, detectives attended a premises in Flide Street, Caringbah, about 8.30am on May 19 and executed a search warrant, seizing mobile phones and a NSW Police Force badge.

Vicki Walton, a 62-year-old woman, was arrested and taken to Sutherland Police Station where she was charged with supplying an indictable quantity of prohibited drugs, participating in a criminal group and not police officer/special constable possessing a police uniform.

The cases for the other co-accused remain before the court.

Wise’s case was adjourned to next month.