Former Aussie Mr Universe Gary Lewer faces drug trafficking charges

A FORMER Aussie Mr Universe has faced court after being charged with a string of charges related to drug trafficking.

Former Mr Universe Gary Lewer outside court. Picture: Nicole Garmston

A FORMER Aussie Mr Universe has faced court after being charged with a string of charges related to drug trafficking.

Gary Lewer, 58, appeared at the Melbourne Magistrates Court this morning for a brief filing hearing after he was charged on Friday.

Three charges were filed with the court.

An elite body builder Mr Lewer won the Mr World title three times and Mr Australia seven times.

Mr Universe Gary Lewer pictured in London.

Police allege on November 26 Mr Lewer conspire with a co-accused to possess a substance with the intention of trafficking a drug of dependence.

The substance is listed in court documents as sodium 3-oxo4 phenylbutanoate.

He has also been charged with possessing equipment for the purposes of drug trafficking, namely two metal reaction vessels and a metal charcoal filter.

The offences are said to have occurred at Frankston and Guys Hill.

Co-accused Shaun Cousens, 42, is facing identical charges.

Both men appeared in person in court this morning where prosecutor Luke Exell said a delay in examining some evidence was expected.

The court heard a brief of evidence would be served on he accused's solicitors in January.

Both men, who are on bail, will re appear in court in March for a committal mention.

As part of strict bail conditions they have been ordered to surrender their passports.

Mr Cousens must also report to police twice weekly.

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