Close to 100 grams of methamphetamine was found in a crashed car that failed to stop on police request at Warrnambool just minutes earlier, a court has heard.
Lachlan Mitchell, 25, of Wendouree, appeared in Warrnambool Magistrates Court on Monday via video-link charged with drug and driving offences, including trafficking methamphetamine.
The court heard that if the man was found in possession of an extra .05 grams of methamphetamine, he would have been charged with trafficking in a commercial quantity.
During a bail application, barrister Chris Triscott said Mr Mitchell had full-time work commitments and was found suitable for the Court Integrated Services Program, which would help him address his drug issues.
But technical difficulties cut the application short and it was adjourned until July 27.
The court heard that on March 13, Mr Mitchell was observed using his mobile phone while driving a white Mitsubishi Magna near the intersection of Warrnambool's Simpson Street and Raglan Parade.
Police members travelling in a marked highway patrol vehicle flashed their red and blue lights in order to intercept the man.
But Mr Mitchell allegedly sped off, travelling through a red arrow onto Simpson Street and reaching speeds of up to 115km/h - nearly twice the speed limit.
The court heard the man sped through a roundabout, where two people were walking, placing them at risk of serious injury or death.
The highway patrol unit continued to follow the accused man, who allegedly crashed the car at the south-west corner of the city's cemetery.
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Mr Mitchell allegedly lost control while taking a right-hand bend, travelling through a fence before hitting a tree.
The crash caused the man's airbags to be deployed.
The driver fled the scene.
The crash caused extensive damage to the tree and fence owned by Warrnambool And District Angling Club.
Police searched the vehicle and allegedly uncovered 99.95 grams of methamphetamine, 30 grams of cannabis, two-and-half ecstasy pills and two vials of liquid steroids.
The ice was allegedly packaged and ready for sale.
Police also located latex gloves, a broken glass pipe used to smoke drugs, a toothbrush, a set of digital scales and two mobile phones.
The court heard Mr Mitchell's DNA was located on the toothbrush.
A search of the mobile phones allegedly uncovered numerous messages relating to the sale of ice.
Mr Mitchell was arrested at an address in Camperdown and transported to Warrnambool police station where he made a no comment interview.
Inquiries with VicRoads revealed he did not hold a driver's licence.
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Jessica Howard
Email: jessica.howard@warrnamboolstandard.com.au
Email: jessica.howard@warrnamboolstandard.com.au
