Elissa Swinton, Brett Gathercole, Adam King and Ronald Damme charged with drug trafficking after Gold Coast police raids
One of the nine people arrested after a two-month drug operation is seeking taxpayer-funded legal aid.
Police & Courts
Don't miss out on the headlines from Police & Courts. Followed categories will be added to My News.
One of the nine people arrested after a two-month drug operation is seeking taxpayer-funded legal aid.
Miami woman Elissa Swinton, 59, appeared in Southport Magistrates Court on Tuesday. She is facing three charges of alleged drug trafficking. There are eight co-accused.
Swinton told Magistrate Louisa Pink she had applied for legal aid.
Legal Aid Queensland offers legal help to financially disadvantaged Queenslanders across criminal, family and civil matters. Anyone seeking legal aid must first apply for a grant and to be eligible they must meet the organisation’s financial eligibility tests.
Magistrate Pink said police were expected to produce their alleged evidence against Swinton by October 4. The matter was adjourned to October 25.
The Gold Coast District Criminal Investigation branch launched Operation Uniform Beads in June following intelligence received. Three police raids were conducted on August 2.
In total, nine people were arrested as part of the drug operation, according to police.
It will be alleged detectives uncovered 126 grams of heroin, 624 grams of cannabis, 12 bottles of methadone, $30,000 cash, mobile phones, tick sheets and multiple drug utensils at a residence on Burleigh St, Burleigh Waters.
AUGUST 17: NAMED: Southern Gold Coast drug trafficking accused
Four people in their 50s who were arrested after a two-month drug operation have appeared in court.
A 59-year-old Miami woman Elissa Swinton, 55-year-old Burleigh Waters man Brett Gathercole, 52-year-old Coolangatta man Adam King and 59-year-old Burleigh Waters man Ronald Damme had their matters adjourned in Southport Magistrates Court to August 30.
All four people are facing three charges each of alleged drug trafficking.
A fifth person, 52-year-old Varsity Lakes man Steven Victor Pinnell, failed to appear in court on three charges of alleged drug trafficking.
The Gold Coast District Criminal Investigation branch launched Operation Uniform Beads in June following intelligence received.
It led to three police raids on August 2.
In total, nine people were arrested as part of the drug operation, according to police.
It will be alleged at a residence on Burleigh St, Burleigh Waters, detectives uncovered 126 grams of heroin, 624 grams of cannabis, 12 bottles of methadone, $30,000 cash, mobile phones, tick sheets and multiple drug utensils.
At a unit on the Gold Coast Highway, Miami, detectives allegedly found about three grams of heroin, 2.4 grams of cannabis, electric scales, $480 cash and a contact booklet.
Detectives allegedly found six grams of heroin, $850 cash, tick sheets, a mobile phone and a box of suboxone, a type of medication to treat opioid use, following a search of a Ford Falcon utility.
Naughty nanna: Boozy beachside lunch ends in nasty crash
A Gold Coast grandmother’s decision to get behind the wheel after a long-lunch has landed her in hospital and in big trouble. Read what happened.
Gold Coast teacher accused of exposing himself to students
A high school teacher who was stood down after being charged with exposing himself to students remained silent on the allegations after facing court for the first time.