Jeremy Rich: Disgraced former South Gippsland Shire councillor to fight drug charges

A disgraced former South Gippsland Shire councillor who police allege was busted with cocaine and cannabis says he will contest the charges.

Former South Gippsland Shire councillor Jeremy Rich. Picture: Facebook

A disgraced former South Gippsland Shire councillor who police allege was busted with cocaine and cannabis will contest the charges.

Jeremy Rich, 47, appeared via video link at Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on June 16.

Court documents reveal the man was allegedly busted with drugs and firearms in Walkerville on April 15, 2019.

He was charged with cultivating a narcotic plant, trafficking cannabis and cocaine and possessing cannabis, hash oil and cocaine.

Rich was also charged with possessing a shotgun and a rifle without being the holder of a licence.

Rich’s lawyer Paul Galbally said discussions had taken place with the office of prosecution.

“That (the accused’s position has been put forward and) is now under consideration,” Mr Galbally said.

Magistrate Guillaume Bailin said the matter needed to be finalised before Rich’s case returned to court in August.

“If the matter doesn’t resolve on the next occasion I’ll need the parties to file the appropriate forms and send the matter down to a contested hearing,” Magistrate Bailin said.

The matter was adjourned until August 13 and Rich’s bail was extended.

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