Cairns court: Man accused of major cocaine-dealing syndicate with son granted bail

A court has ruled on a bail application for a man accused of working with his son to orchestrate a major cocaine-dealing syndicate in Cairns.

A MAN accused of working with his son to orchestrate a major cocaine-dealing syndicate in Cairns has been granted bail.

Glenn Raymond Smith, 56, appeared via video link in Cairns Magistrates Court on Friday in relation to four counts of dangerous drug possession and one count each of drug trafficking, possessing anything used in connection with a crime and property suspected of being proceeds of an offence.

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Smith, of Yorkeys Knob, has not pleaded to the charges.

Police have alleged they seized about 740g of cocaine at the residence, with a street value of about $225,000, along with about 340g of methylamphetamines worth about $190,000. The court also heard that police found cash, scales and clip seal bags they allege were part of the offending.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Amy Rennie opposed bail, saying there was an unacceptable risk of committing further offences and flight risk based on Smith’s two-page criminal history.

Defence solicitor Mark Butler said proposed conditions, including wearing a tracking device, would limit the prosecution’s concerns.

These conditions also included for Smith to live with his eldest son, whom the court heard would have block laying work available for his father.

Mr Butler also said his client also had a history of complying with previous bail conditions.

Magistrate Terrence Browne said that while it was a strong crown case, he was “persuaded that with the impositions with strict conditions, the risks can be lowered to an acceptable level”.

Smith’s youngest son, Brett Raymond Smith, 28, had his matter briefly mentioned on Thursday.

His bail was revoked.

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Originally published as Cairns court: Man accused of major cocaine-dealing syndicate with son granted bail