Jesse Waterman, Jordan Tuhetoka bail refused over drug supply charges

A cryptocurrency trader and a plumber have been arrested following an investigation into alleged drug supply in Sydney’s east after cocaine, ketamine and MDMA were found stashed in a storage unit.

Both men had significant amounts of cryptocurrency, the court heard.

A cryptocurrency trader and a plumber have been denied bail over their alleged involvement in the supply of drugs across Sydney’s east, which involved 1kg of cocaine, MDMA and ketamine seized from a storage unit.

Double Bay man Jordan Tuhetoka, 30, and Dover Heights man Jesse Waterman, 29, appeared at Waverley Local Court on Thursday facing a string of charges relating to drug supply in Sydney’s east.

Tuhetoka is facing 10 charges relating to supplying a prohibited drug, along with single charges of knowingly directing activities of a criminal group, recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime and possessing a prohibited drug.

Waterman is charged with one count of taking part in supplying a prohibited drug, two counts of supplying a prohibited drug, three counts of drug possession, and single counts of knowingly directing activities of a criminal group, knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime, and participating in a criminal group.

Both men are also charged with failing to comply with a digital evidence order.

Police will allege a large commercial quantity of drugs were located at a storage unit in Rozelle. Picture: Google

The pair was arrested following a “sophisticated surveillance operation” under Strike Force Palmer, involving telephone intercepts, planted recording devices and CCTV.

On Thursday, the court heard Tuhetoka was allegedly directing the operation through drug runners, one of whom was making up to $2000 a day.

Pink powder believed to be pink cocaine was allegedly found at the storage unit

A search warrant executed at his Double Bay address uncovered a key to a Kennards storage unit, where a commercial quantity of cocaine, ketamine, MDMA and an “unnamed pink powder”, believed to be pink cocaine, were allegedly located.

In Tuhetoka’s bail application, solicitor Peter Lang said the risk of his client committing further offences was negated by his family putting their mortgage on the line in surety.

“The provision of such surety makes custody not warranted ensuring the applicant complies otherwise the family home would be in jeopardy,” he said.

Mr Lang also said placing Tuhetoka on house arrest would quash any attempts at continued offending, adding the police attention he’d received, “wouldn’t make him an attractive proposition for upline suppliers”.

Both men had significant amounts of cryptocurrency the court heard

Magistrate Michael Barko refused Tuhetoka bail, stating the strength of the prosecution case “was only going to get stronger”.

Magistrate Barko also said Tuhetoka’s “large financial means”, as indicated by bank statements and cryptocurrency, increased the risk of him fleeing the jurisdiction.

During Waterman’s bail application, Mr Lang said the Crown might have difficulty proving his participation, describing his involvement as “nebulous”.

Mr Lang said while the police facts sheet showed Waterman had “some knowledge of the activities”, it did not amount to participation.

“Knowledge alone does not amount to participation … the case referring to the drug charges is a weak one,” Mr Lang said

Mr Lang said Waterman’s close community ties, including a partner and cryptocurrency business, made him less of a flight risk.

However Magistrate Barko also chose to deny Waterman bail, stating the strength of the prosecution’s case.

Both men will remain in custody with their matters to return to Downing Centre Local Court on July 5.