Merrick Wade Ubank charged after truck stopped in Elanora on Gold Coast allegedly found to be carrying cannabis
A showjumper and father-of-one has appeared in court after police allegedly uncovered a huge haul of cannabis hidden in a truck. FULL DETAILS
Police & Courts
Don't miss out on the headlines from Police & Courts. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A 42-year-old mechanic and showjumper from Mutdapilly near Ipswich has been charged with drug possession after approximately $1 million worth of cannabis was allegedly found hidden behind pot plants in a truck on the Gold Coast.
Merrick Wade Ubank appeared in Southport Magistrates court on Saturday charged with one count of possession of dangerous drugs exceeding schedule three (cannabis).
The court heard that the drugs were allegedly concealed in cryovac bags hidden in a truck being driven by Ubank.
The Hino Pantec truck was pulled over by police at K.P McGrath Drive in Elanora at 12.45pm on Friday.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Nicole Conditsis opposed bail for Ubank, arguing that although he had no prior criminal history, he was “facing a serious drug offence”.
“Approximately 150kg of cannabis was located in the defendant’s possession,” Sgt Conditsis told the court.
Defence counsel India Brady, of Bamberry Lawyers, in making the case that bail should be granted, said Ubank had significant ties to the Queensland community.
Ms Brady said Ubank had a nine-year-old son and was a diesel mechanic who owned his own business.
“He has no real need to leave the state,” Ms Brady said.
“He is willing to surrender his passport and submit to a condition that he does not leave Queensland.”
Magistrate Louisa Pink noted that if Ubank was convicted on the charge before him, “he will go to jail for a lengthy time.”
“It is alleged you were in possession of cannabis concealed in cryovac bags worth about $1 million,” Magistrate Pink said.
“Police oppose bail. They argue you are an unacceptable risk of failing to appear.
“It’s alleged that you were driving a truck and the drugs as alleged were found in the back of that truck.
“The drugs were in large storage containers with large padlocks.
“Two mobile phones were located.”
Magistrate Pink said Ubank had “raised issues” about how he came to be the driver of the truck.
“That will be subject of further proceedings,” she said.
Magistrate Pink said that despite the seriousness of the allegations against Ubank, she was satisfied that he had strong ties to the Queensland community.
She granted bail with conditions including that Ubank reside at an address in Mutdapilly, hand over his passport, report to police once a week and not leave Queensland.
The matter adjourned to return to court in Southport on June 27.
Man charged after three-hour police standoff
A man has been arrested and charged after an incident unfolded at a Biggera Waters service station in the early hours of Sunday morning. FULL STORY
Burleigh ‘cannot become a southern Surfers Paradise’
Labor and the LNP have been warned against snap decisions to make Burleigh a safe night precinct, with fears it would open the door into transforming it into a nightclub hub.