Meagan Louise Ford denied bail as she awaits trial for drug supply charges

A court has heard a woman out on parole, who was allegedly caught with drugs in her vehicle, is set to fight numerous charges claiming it was only for personal use. Read what happened when she went for bail.

Meagan Ford allegedly had a stack of cash found in her car in November 2023. (Picture: iStock)

A court has heard a woman on parole, who was allegedly found in possession of methamphetamine and GBL stashed in her vehicle, can prove it was for personal use and not for supply.

Meagan Louise Ford, 44, is set to go to trial in September to fight numerous charges of drug supply including supplying a commercial quantity, drug possession and knowingly deal with the proceeds of crime.

The 44-year-old was pulled over on Tomago Rd by the Port Stephens-Hunter proactive crime team in November 2023 before officers searched her vehicle.

Police allegedly seized two litres of GBL – a precursor to liquid ecstasy or fantasy – as well as 13.7 grams of ice and $22,000 in cash.

Ford appeared in person at Newcastle District Court on Tuesday to apply for bail, her solicitor asking the court to release his client before trial so she could be placed into a rehabilitation program.

Police allegedly found ice and other drugs in her vehicle. (Picture: iStock)

He claimed Ford has been a longstanding drug addict and was also rushed to hospital while in prison because of an overdose when she was injected by another inmate and found unconscious.

The court heard the 44-year-old had largely been untreated for her drug addiction, including when she was released on parole and had allegedly committed the offences.

“(The) drugs found were predominantly for personal use and this is her defence when she goes to trial,” Ford’s solicitor said.

He said her application was accepted after an in-depth review by Odyssey House to engage in a nine-month rehabilitation program if released, which would see her confined to the centre until trial.

But the Crown solicitor cited the acceptance letter did not indicate which program Ford would be undertaking and lacked “specificity”, which was a relevant factor given the trial was scheduled for September.

The court also heard about concerns about Ford having access to a mobile phone while in the treatment program, with the Crown arguing drug amounts were “well in excess of personal supply”.

Ford’s release application was refused by Judge Tim Gartelmann.