A St Albans businessman will face a committal hearing on July 7 after being refused bail on 39 drug-related charges in the Supreme Court last week.
Leo Eliades, 49, has been in custody since his arrest on November 24 last year on charges of trafficking a drug of dependence, possession of drugs of dependence, handling stolen property and being in possession of prohibited weapons.
He unsuccessfully applied for bail at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on January 13.
Last week the court heard Eliades had been addicted to methamphetamine for more than 20 years. After his arrest he was found to be in possession of methylamphetamine and ecstasy.
A subsequent search of his home, businesses and a Sunshine warehouse he leased uncovered more drugs, firearms and ammunition, and allegedly stolen items such as a Jaguar vehicle and a motorbike.
A number of Eliade’s family members told the court last week they were prepared to support him in controlling his drug problems if he was released on bail, but Judge Stephen Kaye said he posed an unacceptable risk.
“I can have little confidence that the family would be in a position to realistically guide and support the applicant away from his habit,” Judge Kaye said.
