Chad Campbell-Willoughby: Accused cocaine trafficker committed to trial in Supreme Court

New details of evidence against an alleged Gold Coast cocaine ring have been aired as one of its accused members faces court. READ FULL DETAILS

New details of evidence against an alleged Gold Coast cocaine trafficking syndicate have been aired in court, including text messages about a $20,000 ‘drop’ and an ‘industrial-sized’ drug press.

Accused trafficker Chad Te Ahu Alex Campbell-Willoughby was self-represented when he appeared in Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

He faces several charges including trafficking dangerous drugs, producing dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs, and possessing property obtained from trafficking.

Chad Campbell-Willoughby leaving the Southport courthouse. Picture: Jessica Paul

The 29-year-old and his two co-accused – Reece Jacob Cribb and Joshua Mark Emery – were charged after police raided properties at Nerang, Southport, and Hope Island in November last year.

Police reported at the time that officers seized 1.6kg of cocaine – with an estimated street value of $1.6m – along with $27,000 cash, a drug press, and other drug-related paraphernalia.

It is alleged the syndicate trafficked cocaine between September 21 and December 1 last year.

The court was told this week it would be alleged Mr Cribb was the main offender.

Drugs and other related items were allegedly seized by police when they raided several Gold Coast properties last year.

It was heard Mr Campbell-Willoughby was wearing latex gloves when he was found by police at the Nerang property, where officers allegedly located an industrial-sized press and drug-related items in the garage.

The drugs found allegedly contained 767.8g of pure cocaine.

Excerpts from text messages allegedly found on Mr Campbell-Willoughby’s phone were read to the court, including references to people “chasing”, “getting a bag”, or paying $1300 for a “ball”.

Police say $1.6m worth of cocaine was seized when they raided the Gold Coast properties last year. Picture: QPS

The court was told other messages referred to pick-ups or drops – with one allegedly worth $20,000 – and price increases or weight measurements.

Magistrate Dzenita Balic said the communications also included a ‘tick sheet’, allegedly indicating it was “an everyday transactional business” with a “good profitability margin”.

Ms Balic said she was satisfied the evidence against Mr Campbell-Willoughby was sufficient to commit him to trial in Brisbane Supreme Court.

His remaining charges, including breaching bail and possessing drug utensils, will be mentioned in Southport Magistrates Court in June.

Mr Cribb and Mr Emery’s matters were previously committed to the higher court.

No pleas have been entered.