TWO Ararat residents will remain in custody on drugs charges.
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Paul Barnes, 40, and Sally Rook, 41, appeared in the Horsham Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
They were arrested and charged with numerous drug offences including trafficking and possession.
Senior Constable Ash Murnane told the court a search warrant was executed in Ararat on Monday.
Senior Constable Murnane said police seized 40 grams of methamphetamine worth $24,000 and 12 grams of heroin worth $7200. He said prescription medications and cash were also found.
He said text messages from Mr Barnes’ phone showed an attempt to source heroin and methamphetamine at a discount price and traffick drugs in the Stawell and Ararat areas.
Mr Barnes did not apply for bail. He is due to appear at the Ararat Magistrates Court on September 21. He will face nine charges, including trafficking, possession of methamphetamine, heroin and prescription medication and possession of ammunition.
Miss Rook applied for bail but her application was refused.
Senior Constable Murnane said police had concerns that Miss Rook would continue to be involved in drug trafficking in the Stawell and Ararat areas. He said police believed that trafficking was her only source of income because she indicated that she was not employed.
Miss Rook said the reason she wanted bail was because she wanted to get her life back on track.
She has two prior convictions and was ordered to serve 200 hours of community work on May 8 this year.
“I am working hard to put my life back in order. I am looking for work and I want to work,” she said. “I haven’t started with my community work, but I want to make a go of it.
“If I don’t make bail, I will lose my tenancy and belongings. I don’t have a family and if I don’t get bail, I’ll have to start over.
“I learned my lesson last time. I’ll do whatever it takes. I’ll have nothing when I come out and there’s my dog and I want to make arrangements for him.”
Miss Rook was refused bail on the grounds she failed to show compelling reason and there was a risk that she would break bail conditions.
She will appear at the Ararat Magistrates Court on September 21. She will face seven charges, including trafficking and possession.
