Jacqueline Pauline Fiala yet to plea for potential ‘largest’ drug trafficking case in Tasmanian history

A lawyer representing a Gold Coast woman has told Hobart Magistrates Court the case could be the “largest drug trafficking matter in the history of Tasmania”. LATEST >>

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A lawyer representing a Gold Coast woman has told Hobart Magistrates Court the case could be the “largest drug trafficking matter in the history of Tasmania”.

Jacqueline Pauline Fiala, 48, was bailed to appear before Magistrate Robert Webster on Monday over one count of trafficking in a controlled substance (major offence).

Police allege Ms Fiala trafficked methylamphetamine and cocaine between September 20 last year and May 29 this year.

Aeroplane flying overhead.

According to court documents, Ms Fiala’s address is listed as Broadbeach Waters in Queensland – with the alleged trafficking taking place in Hobart.

Ms Fiala’s lawyer appeared in court remotely via phone and told the magistrate Ms Fiala could not yet enter a plea.

He asked Mr Webster for an unusually long adjournment of five to six months because of the complex nature of the case, but Mr Webster said “I don’t have the power to do that”.

Mr Webster said he could only adjourn the case for a period of 28 days.

Ms Fiala’s lawyer told Mr Webster he would likely seek a further adjournment at the Gold Coast woman’s next appearance.

Hobart Magistrates Court, Liverpool St. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Richard Jupe

“This is not an ordinary matter,” the defence lawyer said.

Ms Fiala previously appeared in court in June via video link from the Mary Hutchinson Women’s Prison over the trafficking charge. She had planned to apply for bail at that stage.

Mr Webster adjourned the matter until August 23.