Moonee Valley councillor Jacob Bettio facing drug charges after IBAC raid

A Moonee Valley councillor and businessman had his home raided by corruption investigators, which uncovered alleged drug activity.

Cr Jacob Bettio is due to appear in the Broadmeadows Magistrates' Court in March. Picture: Instagram

A councillor whose home was raided by corruption investigators as part of a sports rorts inquiry will face court on drug charges.

Cr Jacob Bettio is due to appear in the Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court in March on possession charges that were laid by police in September in the aftermath of searches by detectives from the independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission.

The local businessman was one of three Moonee Valley councillors whose homes were the subject of search warrants as part of the IBAC probe.

The search of Cr Bettio’s inner northwest property on August 22 allegedly uncovered evidence of drug activity and, as a result, a referral was made to Victoria Police.

Cr Bettio’s home was searched as part of the IBAC probe. Picture: Instagram

He was later charged by an officer from Moonee Ponds police and is due to face court on March 8 for what is listed as a mention hearing.

At the time, a Victoria Police statement said a 28-year-old man had been arrested for possessing a small amount of cocaine and cannabis.

Cr Bettio was elected as an independent candidate in the municipality’s Myrnong Ward at the October, 2020, poll.

Support and nurturing local business was one element of his platform, along with backing Covid-hit sporting codes in the municipality.

“Our local council should be exactly that, local. It shouldn’t be influenced by policies controlled in Spring St or Canberra. Our council should be working for our community and its councillors shouldn’t be influenced by a greater agenda,” Cr Bettio said at the time in a pitch to voters on Facebook.

“I’ll be keeping it real every step of the way.”

Cr Bettio has operated bars in the area for some years, including the venues Ascot Lot Food Truck Park, Fizz and Hop Craft Beer and Holmes Hall.

A new venture, the Peregrine Social Club, is on the way.

Cr Bettio could not be contacted for comment and the council did not respond.

The IBAC investigation reportedly centres on the council’s relationship with the Essendon Royals Soccer Club and its use of fields in the area.

At least one of its officials has been spoken to by investigators as part of the inquiry.