Painter Jason Garrett arrested on steroid, testosterone trafficking charges

A Sunshine Coast business owner has been arrested during a major investigation into drug trafficking where he was allegedly found with thousands of tablets of prescription drugs including viagra.

Jason Mark Garrett faced Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Friday. Picture: Patrick Woods

A Sunshine Coast business owner has been arrested after allegedly being found with kilos of drugs and hundreds of thousands of dollars of cash.

Jason Mark Garrett was thrust into custody after Nambour detectives arrested him at his Palmview home on Thursday following an investigation into drug trafficking.

The 49-year-old was charged with 20 offences including six counts of possessing medicines, four of possessing drugs, two of trafficking in dangerous drugs and one of producing dangerous drugs.

During his bail application in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Friday, police prosecutor Mel Pyke said the evidence against the 49-year-old was allegedly “very strong”.

Sergeant Pyke said police alleged 23kg of anabolic steroids and testosterone were found in Garratt’s possession, partnered with thousands of tablets of Viagra, tramadol, diazepam and other prescription drugs.

Jason Mark Garrett. Picture: Facebook

The court was told the Palmview man was also allegedly found with nearly $400,000 in cash.

Police allege in court documents Garrett trafficked an anabolic steroidal agent and testosterone from April 1, 2022 to February 28 this year.

During their investigations, the Nambour Criminal Investigation Branch also allegedly found capping machines, capsule making devices and other drug related items.

Sergeant Pyke said Garrett was allegedly not cooperative with police after failing to open his phone to detectives and claimed he would serve a jail term if he was found guilty of his charges.

Duty solicitor David Crews said the dual New Zealand and Australian citizen could offer a $20,000 surety and report to police everyday as part of his bail conditions.

Mr Crews said with alleged commercial operations like this, there were usually levels but claimed the Palmview man, who owned his own painting business, was “nowhere near the top”.

Magistrate Kurt Fowler read the allegations levelled at Garratt in court, where he listed the kilos and litres of drugs found in his possession, which was coupled with the 49-year-old having a “virtual shopping centre” of other drugs and paraphernalia.

The magistrate refused bail due to a risk of committing more offences.

His matters will return to court on May 23.

Originally published as Painter Jason Garrett arrested on steroid, testosterone trafficking charges