A MAN accused of possessing 28g of the drug ice and a home-made baton laden with nails has been granted bail in court.
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Magistrate Julie Soars granted Scott William Newman bail in Tamworth Local Court on Friday on 13 conditions, after he spent one night in custody.
He was arrested on Thursday in connection to Strike Force Numboidard, and was not required to enter pleas to charges of handling an explosive or precursor without a licence; possessing a prohibited weapon; supplying an indictable quantity of drugs and possessing drugs.
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Police prosecutor Sergeant Rob Baillie said although Newman "has a limited record", there was still a risk of flight because of the seriousness of the charges; as well as interference with co-accused; and protection of the community from drugs.
Sergeant Baillie said baton "looks like a homemade weapon ... it looks like a serious weapon".
"It appears to be a strong prosecution case in relation to some matters," he said.
"The police facts indicate a quantity of methylamphetamine of 28.84g," Ms Soars said, noting it was a deemed supply because of the quantity of ice found in the home.
Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) solicitor Rebecca Witchard said her client wasn't necessarily going to get a custodial sentence, but Ms Soars questioned the statement with the amount of drugs seized.
She was told the maximum penalty Newman was facing was 15 years' imprisonment, if convicted.
Sergeant Baillie said the case was "linked to a strike force" and he wanted a $2000 surety; and a condition he not enter Gunnedah or contact co-accused, similar to the conditions of his co-accused. Matt Gavin Groth, Jack Cassidy and Colin Neville Eastham are all on bail, charged in connection to the same strike force.
Supported in court, Newman will also have to undergo drug and alcohol counselling; abstain from drugs and alcohol; live under a curfew in Werris Creek; and report daily to police.
"These are serious charges, the bail conditions are very strict," Ms Soars told him, warning him not to breach the orders.
"Yep, I understand," Newman replied.
He will front Gunnedah court in March, after police have served a brief of evidence.
Police allege they uncovered 28g of methylamphetamine, or ice, with an estimated street value of close to $6000 at the Henry Street home during one of two raids in Werris Creek and Gunnedah on Wednesday.
Strike Force Numboidard was launched in August by Oxley police and rural crime investigators, and backed by Gunnedah general duties officers.
The police had been trying to home in on those involved in the supply of methylamphetamine, cannabis and MDMA in Gunnedah and surrounding towns.