Luke Cox: Chelsea accused drug dealer saw ‘hostages’ in servo
A Chelsea casual labourer accused of dealing drugs was arrested after he believed he was in something akin to a Hollywood movie.
South East
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An accused drug dealer nabbed twice in a year was allegedly so high on his own supply he hallucinated seeing “hostages” in a servo, a court has heard.
Luke Kenneth Cox was arrested for trafficking when he was pulled over in a mate’s Merc allegedly with an array of drugs, baggies, scales, syringes, tick notes and cash on board.
This was while he was on bail after police had allegedly found him with a load more gear in a bizarre late-night scenario a year before.
The Chelsea 23-year-old appeared by video link at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
The court heard Mr Cox was seen by police in Edithvale driving a friend’s car at 1.45am on March 1 this year.
In a search of the vehicle officers allegedly uncovered ecstasy, GHB, amphetamines, $1415 in cash and drug dealing paraphernalia, as well as incriminating text messages on his phone.
At the time he was on bail over charges relating to an incident 12 months prior.
At around 2am on March 29, 2020, a trespasser allegedly broke into a Mentone construction site and left items in the lunch room.
A short time later Mr Cox is accused of standing outside a nearby servo raving about there being “hostages” inside.
Police arrived and allegedly found him to be highly drug-affected and ranting incoherently.
Officers allegedly tracked his movements back to the construction site and allegedly found 13 bags of ice, a mobile phone, a hat and keys which they say were left there by Mr Cox.
When they searched him they allegedly uncovered amphetamines, ice, $1655 in cash and empty deal bags in his pockets and wallet.
There were also allegedly found more images of drugs and text messages of dealing sales on his phone.
His defence lawyer said the casual labourer had no prior convictions and this was his first time in a prison cell.
She said Mr Cox was being considered for a court integrated support program to help him with his drug issues and his risk of reoffending could be mitigated by strict conditions.
She said he had very strong family support and both his grandfather and mother had vowed to tell police if he used again.
Magistrate Fiona Stewart said Mr Cox’s young age, lack of criminal past and family backing were factors that meant bail should be granted.
“He obviously has a substance abuse problem,” Ms Stewart said.
“He is making things worse, police allege, by selling (drugs) to others.
“(But) he has a decent family who can keep an eye on him.”
Mr Cox was bailed on condition he obey a night-time curfew, not take drugs and live at his mum’s Chelsea address.
He will appear in court again on March 22.
