Matthew Jones fronts court over serious drugs charges

An accused cocaine dealer from Sale known as “Chicken Man” has been slapped with a swag of drugs charges following an organised crime swoop across Melbourne.

An accused Victorian cocaine trafficker known as “Chicken Man” has been remanded back in custody awaiting hearing in July on a swag of drugs charges.

Sale man Matthew Jones, 39, briefly appeared at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court from prison on Wednesday facing charges 21 including importing and trafficking cocaine, possessing MDMA, possessing methylamphetamine and committing an indictable offence while on bail.

However, 11 charges were struck out as part of a plea bargain between the Crown and Mr Jones’ defence team.

He is yet to enter pleas will return to court on July 3 for a further committal mention.

Matthew Jones of Sale is accused of importing and trafficking cocaine online via encrypted messaging app in Victoria.

Police allege Mr Jones used the name “Chicken Man” – a possible reference to a character in the TV show Breaking Bad – online while importing and trafficking cocaine via encrypted messaging apps into Victoria.

He was arrested in December last year by members of the VIPER Taskforce at Strathmore in Melbourne’s northwest.

Properties in Sale, Silverleaves, Strathmore and Patterson Lakes were raided and investigators allegedly seizing cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA.

Police are expected to analyse 18 electronic devices as part of their case.