AN ACCUSED Bendigo drug trafficker has been denied bail after he was allegedly found with methamphetamine, ketamine, and more than $8000 in cash.
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Mark Adam Swift, 33, appeared in the Bendigo Magistrates' Court this week after he was charged with offences including trafficking a drug of dependence.
Magistrate Russell Kelly refused Mr Swift's bail application, saying the 33-year-old was an unacceptable risk of reoffending if released from custody.
The court heard about 2.35am on August 18, officers saw a white Ute speed through the intersection of Camp Street and High Street in Kangaroo Flat.
Police alleged Mr Swift was driving the vehicle, with an associate in the passenger seat.
When officers spoke to Mr Swift, he told them he had about $4700 in cash in his pocket. The police counted the cash and allegedly found about $8100.
The officers searched the vehicle and allegedly found about two grams of methamphetamine, close to 20 grams of ketamine, half a tablet of MDMA, and a modified rifle.
The court heard Mr Swift was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Mr Swift was arrested and taken to the Bendigo Police Station for questioning.
He told police he had won a large sum of money at the pokies, which is why he had the cash in his possession.
Mr Swift denied trafficking drugs and said the methamphetamine was for personal use.
Read more court: Man accused of stealing guns denied bail in Bendigo
Senior Constable Dave Rennie told the court Mr Swift should not be granted bail because he was an unacceptable risk of reoffending.
Defence lawyer Stephanie Gillahan told the court Mr Swift relapsed into drug use last year after a period of abstinence.
Ms Gillahan said her client wanted to engage in treatment and had been accepted into the Court Integrated Services Program.
The defence lawyer told the court Mr Swift could access rehabilitation through CISP.
Ms Gillahan said her client also had a stable address to reside at with his parents, which could mitigate any risk of reoffending.
But Senior Constable Rennie said Mr Swift had been living with his parents during the most recent allegations of drug trafficking.
Magistrate Russell Kelly agreed, saying Mr Swift was an unacceptable risk if he was released on bail.
Bail was refused and Mr Swift was remanded in custody. He is due to return to the Bendigo Magistrates' Court later this month.
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