Staggering bank figures of carpenter charged in largest-ever drug bust revealed

A Supreme Court has heard of the astounding finances of a Brisbane carpenter charged in Australia’s largest-ever drug bust.

A Brisbane carpenter charged in Australia’s largest-ever crime bust could have more than a million dollars in his bank account seized until his criminal proceedings are finished.

Christopher John Spurling, 33, was one of 38 Queenslanders stung in the drug-busting Operation Ironside last week.

The Wilston man, who owns the carpentry business CS Build, is alleged to be a “serious player” in a drug syndicate.

He faces a maximum penalty of up to 25 years in prison.

During a bail application at the Supreme Court on Tuesday, Mr Spurling’s lawyer, Craig Eberhardt, said his client’s sister could offer a $200,000 surety for his release.

Mr Eberhardt said he had not included a condition of wearing a tracking device in the draft order due to the safety risk associated with Mr Spurling’s carpentry job.

“Having said that, he is prepared to wear one if deemed necessary,” Mr Eberhardt said.

Despite earning up to $100,000 a year as a carpenter, the court was told Mr Spurling, a father of one with his long-term partner, had $1.4 million sitting in his frozen bank account.

Leonie Loadsman, legal officer for the Director of Public Prosecutions, sought an order to restrain his assets, including his bank savings and his car, until his criminal proceedings have been finalised.

$4000 would be left in the account for Mr Spurling’s expenses, including legal proceedings.

“If convicted of trafficking a dangerous drug, an order will be sought to forfeit property to the state,” she said.

After granting bail, Justice Flanagan put an interim order freezing the account’s savings, save for the $4000.

He said he would determine the order later this week.

Police allege Mr Spurling sent multiple messages over the encrypted messaging app AN0M discussing the purchase of drugs and weapons.

Authorities were monitoring Mr Spurling’s messages through the app, along with those sent by hundreds of others who had installed the software and were eventually arrested.

In some of the exchanges, Mr Spurling is alleged to have discussed purchasing firearms and sourcing up to 10 kilograms of cocaine.

Some of Mr Spurling’s bail conditions include wearing the tracking device, reporting to police three times a week and living at his father-in-law’s house.