Alleged Warrnambool drug trafficker granted bail

A Warrnambool man is facing drug trafficking charges after police allegedly discovered a massive amount of drugs stashed around his home.

A Warrnambool man who was allegedly found with more than $50,000 worth of meth has been granted bail.

Bradley William Thompson, 31, fronted the Warrnambool Magistrates’ Court via video link from prison on Wednesday to apply for bail.

The court heard Thompson was arrested and charged with a string of offences, including trafficking a commercial quantity of methylamphetamine, following a police operation targeting distribution of the drug in the Warrnambool area.

Warrnambool CIU and Western Region Crime Squad officers executed a search warrant at Thompson’s home about 3.15pm on March 30, 2021 and allegedly uncovered an array of meth stashed around the house as well as cash and weapons.

Entering the home police allegedly found a bag of meth on the coffee table and a pair of knuckle dusters and $280 in cash on the dining table.

Brad Thompson has been charged with drug trafficking

Police allegedly found a vacuum sealed bag containing more than 100g of meth stuffed into a wall cavity at the back of the walk in robe in the master bedroom, while further quantities of the drug were allegedly found in black bags stashed in the pantry.

Police informant, Detective Senior Constable Haydn Templeton, told the court on Wednesday that drug analysis had determined there was approximately 123g of meth found at the home with an average purity of more than 80 per cent.

The street value is believed to be more than $50,000.

A resealable bag containing a powder was found in the bathroom vanity, while resealable bags, scales and tick lists were seized.

Police also found almost $19,000 in cash, along with stolen car registration plates.

The court heard Thompson made a no comment interview in relation to the drugs, but told police the cash was his savings from car detailing.

His lawyer Sarah Pratt submitted her client had a supportive family and acceptable bail address, strong employment history and limited criminal history so should be granted bail.

But while the prosecution submitted Thompson was an unacceptable risk and could endanger community safety if released, Magistrate Peter Mellas granted bail with conditions.

These included posting a $5000 surety and not to associate with alleged co-accused or to leave Victoria.