A CARISBROOK man who pleaded guilty to trafficking methamphetamine has been released on bail to complete a rehabilitation program.
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Anthony John Edwards, 41, was sentenced in the Bendigo Magistrates' Court on Monday.
He previously pleaded guilty to charges including trafficking and possessing a drug of dependence, possessing a prohibited weapon, possessing an anti-speed measuring device, and driving an unregistered motor vehicle.
The court heard Central Goldfields Crime Investigation Unit detectives started observing Edwards' movements and tracking his mobile phone messages last November.
The court heard between January 3 and February 18 this year, Edwards had a number of conversations and meetings with known drug users in the region. Some of the meetings were captured on CCTV.
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In the recorded conversations, Edwards made reference to drugs like weed and shard, as well as the term, "a key". Detectives said "a key" was slang for a kilogram of methamphetamine.
The court heard between November 11, 2019, and February 18 this year, Edwards also made 17 trips to pick up drugs, collecting an ounce each trip.
On February 18 this year, police intercepted Edwards as he pulled up to his home. He was driving a white Holden commodore bearing false number plates.
Edwards was instructed to go to the Maryborough Police Station for an evidentiary breath test and an oral fluid test, but Edwards refused multiple times.
Police searched Edwards' car and found a hidden black pouch on the passenger's side. Inside the pouch was a large ziplock bag containing an ounce of methamphetamine.
Police also found Edwards' mobile phone and wallet, which contained $967 in cash.
Edwards' home was searched on February 19. Police located a sling shot in his garage and a flick knife in his bedroom.
Officers also found a small quantity of methamphetamine in a black bag on the coffee table, and two counterfeit $100 notes and a number of large commercial grade fireworks on the kitchen bench.
The court heard Edwards was on a County Court imposed community corrections order at the time of the offending.
Magistrate Megan Aumair noted Edwards had been in custody for five months, and that he had been accepted into The Cottage in Shepparton.
Ms Aumair released him on fixed bail to reside at the rehabilitation facility for at least the next four months.
"It's the first day of the rest of your life," Ms Aumair said. "There's the opportunity for you to be in a therapeutic environment with professionals who can help you.
"But if you don't take this up, if you fail to comply, if you leave, you will find yourself back in custody."
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