Marcus James Watkins pleads guilty to drug supply charges after Fingal Bay raid

What began as a gun check by police has landed a drug dealer in hot water after detectives found methamphetamine, cocaine, GHB, cannabis, steroids and $45,000 in cash at his Port Stephens unit.

Port Stephens-Hunter detectives seized five ounces of methamphetamine and $45,000 in cash following the search of a Fingal Bay property on October 11, 2023. Picture: Supplied.

A drug dealer has admitted to owning a stash of drugs, cash and steroids found by detectives who turned up at his Port Stephens unit to conduct a firearms prohibition order.

Marcus James Watkins, 37, pleaded guilty in Newcastle Local Court this week to two counts of supplying an indictable quantity of a prohibited drug, two counts of possessing or using a prohibited weapon without a permit and one count of dealing in the proceeds of crime.

He will also ask a sentencing judge to take into account four counts of possessing a prohibited drug.

Watkins was arrested at his Fingal Bay unit after police arrived on October 11 last year as part of a statewide operation to conduct firearm prohibition orders.

They allege Watkins began acting suspiciously before they decided to search the premises.

Watkins pleaded guilty to supplying 113.2 grams of methamphetamine as well as other charges Picture: Supplied.

They found 113.2 grams of methamphetamine, 8.26 grams of cocaine, 25ml of GHB, cannabis leaf, steroid vials and steroid tablets.

Police also uncovered $45,000 in cash hidden in a toolbox.

Police count out the $45,000 in cash seized following the search of a Fingal Bay property on October 11, 2023. Picture: Supplied.

Watkins was taken into custody and charged.

He will face Newcastle District Court next month for a sentence date to be set.