John Booth accused of concealing drugs in Lego bricks

A Morwell man with a love for bling and cash has been accused of stashing meth ingredients and GHB inside a massive Lego collection

John 'Johnny' Booth is fighting to secure bail to a residential drug rehabilitation facility.

A Morwell man allegedly busted with more than $600,000 worth of drugs and chemicals capable of cooking up a vast supply of meth with a street value of $2m stashed inside Lego pieces wants to be bailed to a drug rehabilitation facility.

John ‘Johnny’ Booth, 45, fronted the County Court on Monday on a string of drug trafficking charges following a four-month police investigation that resulted in raids on properties in Morwell, Essendon North, Brunswick and South Melbourne.

Brick by brick, the Fawkner Divisional Response Unit police search allegedly revealed 180 kgs of 1,4-Butanediol worth $600,000, 34kg of iodine and 32kg of hypophosphorous acid – ingredients used in methamphetamine production — illegal steroids, methamphetamines, a handgun, an extendible baton, ammunition and three digital devices.

Police allegedly seized a huge Lego collection from John Booth's Morwell home as part a four-month investigation.

Police say the iodine and hypophosphorous acid had the potential to cook 20kg of meth with an estimated street value of $2m.

The court heard that among the alleged drug haul, police also allegedly seized a 74 box lego collection, alongside one Rolex and four Breitling watches, alleged to be proceeds of crime and owned by Mr Booth, which he allegedly showed off on social media

Mr Booth wants to be bailed to the drug rehabilitation facility The Cottage in Shepparton where he can attend a 12-week program.

His lawyer Leighton Gwynn called the facility general manager Aaron Gilhooley as part of the bail application and to explain details about the drug counselling programs on site.

Judge Stewart Bayles said he has to be satisfied that exceptional circumstances existed before bail could be granted.

John 'Johnny' Booth

Judge Bayles said the charges were serious, a large commercial quantity of drugs was allegedly trafficked in breach of bail and that Mr Booth had a long criminal history.

While a delay in finalising the matter was perhaps a mitigating factor, he said the case was still at an early stage and that the court had to be satisfied that Mr Booth did not offend if he was granted bail.

Judge Bayles remanded him in custody and will deliver his bail ruling on July 25.