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A Hamilton man has been remanded in custody after being caught with a smorgasbord worth of drugs in a cooler.
Daniel McDonald, 27, of Clarence Street, appeared in Warrnambool Magistrates Court where he made a self-represented bail application. He told the court he worked full time and had a family to support. He said he last used drugs around lunch time on Thursday.
Hamilton police Senior Constable Isabella Smith said Mr McDonald had a significant drug problem which he had never sought treatment for. She said his close network of friends were either daily or recreational drug users.
She said Mr McDonald was found in possession of 67 ecstasy tablets - a drug that was causing serious issues in the community.
"There have been serious medical problems where people have been dying at festivals," she said.
"If someone is out in the community selling them to people it is putting community members at risk."
Mr McDonald's partner told the court she relied on his income to pay for rent and food.
But Magistrate Franz Holzer said Mr McDonald had failed to show compelling reasons why he should be bailed and remanded him in custody until May.
On February 28 police observed a known drug user parked at Mr McDonald's property. A Holden sedan was later intercepted on Hamilton's King Street. Mr McDonald was seated in the passenger's seat with a cooler at his feet.
A search of the esky revealed 67 ecstasy tablets, 45 LSD tabs, 0.8 grams of ice, 1.2 grams of ketamine, five Xanax tablets, two prescription tablets and $3655 cash.
Police said the drugs had a street value of about $3500.
Earlier:
A 27-year-old man is in custody after being caught with a smorgasbord of drugs in Hamilton.
Police sources said he was intercepted while in a vehicle at 1pm on Thursday in Hamilton's King Street.
"A search of the vehicle led to a large range and quantity of drugs being seized. It's huge," the spokesman said.
"Those drugs included ecstasy tablets, tabs of LSD, cocaine, Ketamine, Xanax and other prescription medication.
"There was also methamphetamine and a large amount of cash."
The police officer said the man had been a person of interest for some time and the arrest was a culmination of diligent police work.
"He's been charged with a number of drug offences, including four counts of trafficking, as well as possessing the proceeds of crime," he said.
"It was a smorgasbord of drugs. We don't see that mix of drugs in Hamilton, especially including cocaine, which is very expensive," he said.
The man is currently in the Warrnambool police station cells being held on remand until a bail/remand court hearing in the Warrnambool Magistrates Court today.
Further details of the drug bust will be available at the court hearing, and this story will be updated.
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