Pregnant Toowoomba woman guilty of trafficking crystal meth with partner

After a Toowoomba couple pleaded guilty to serious drug trafficking charges, the woman was left alone to raise their child while on a community-based order, a court heard. Here’s what police uncovered in their home.

A Darling Downs woman convicted of drug trafficking in February was brought back to court to deal with a raft of remaining drug and weapon-related charges.

Toowoomba Magistrates Court heard Chloe Louise Cunningham and her partner were convicted of drug trafficking before the Supreme Court in February following a raid on June 29, 2023.

A pregnant Cunningham was sentenced to a three-year jail term that was immediately suspended.

The new mother appeared before Toowoomba Magistrates Court last week to plead guilty to a raft of charges remaining before the court regarding the drug operation.

The court heard when Cunningham’s home was raided, officers uncovered 800g of cannabis and 17g of methamphetamine inside a bedroom she shared with her partner and co-offender.

Other drugs found included a blister pack of tadalafil (used to treat erectile dysfunction), two bottles of liquid vyvanse (a stimulant used to treat ADHD), and 12 blister packs of another prescription drug.

Investigators also found $4160, three modified knuckle duster rings, two tasers, antipersonnel gas, a replica handgun and a magazine.

The court heard the couple were charged on 29 June 2023 raid following a drug raid.

Solicitor Ryan McCullough said Cunningham’s partner and co-accused was currently serving time in prison for his role in the drug operation.

He noted Cunningham served no time on remand for the crime, therefore was on parole for the entirety of her three-year suspended jail term.

“As your honour would see, Ms Cunningham’s got a small baby with her. She’s three weeks old. Ms Cunningham as a result of that (Supreme Court) sentencing, is essentially a single mother at this point in time while her partner is in custody,” he said.

McCullough submitted that Cunningham be convicted and not further punished, which was echoed by police prosecution.

Magistrate Kyna Morice agreed with both parties, noting the young woman had no criminal history before the drug trafficking conviction in February this year.

“I’m not sure why these weren’t dealt with at the same time,” she said.

“But if they had been dealt with… it’s very clear you wouldn’t have recorded anything further, they (were) the far more serious offences.”

Cunningham was convicted and not further punished on her seven remaining drug raid related charges, which were; the unlawful possession of a category R and M weapon, unlawful possession of prescription medication, possession of a phone used to facilitate a crime, possession of the proceeds of a drug crime, and possession of a restricted item.

She will remain on parole until February 2028.