Sally Rook, 41, was released on Friday under stringent conditions after Ararat Magistrate Mark Stratmann assessed her case.

Ms Rook was apprehended alongside Paul Barnes, 40, on August 6 at their Ararat address when police executed a search warrant.

Among the items found in the house were prescription drugs, 12 grams of heroin worth $7200, 40 grams of methamphetamine worth $24,000 and a large sum of cash.

Police estimate the combined total of the drugs and money was $38,600.

A number of firearms and ammunition were also found stored around the house – one of which had been reported stolen from South Australia the previous year.

Ms Rook was not charged with firearms offences but was charged with possessing and trafficking drugs of dependence. 

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Ash Murnane gave evidence against the application for bail, stating multiple reasons police believed the application should be refused. 

“She would … endanger the welfare of the community by continuing to engage in trafficking in the Stawell and Ararat communities. Police would be dealing with drug-affected drivers and assaults (as a result),” he said. 

Victoria Legal Aid acted in defence and expressed concerns that refusing bail could result in Ms Rook effectively serving more time while waiting for the ongoing investigation to conclude than she would have served had she been sentenced on the day. 

Other concerns were that Ms Rook would lose her accommodation if she was not released this week. 

Mr Stratmann granted bail under what he described as “stringent conditions” which include random drug tests and regularly reporting to police. 

Ms Rook will face court again on November 16.

Mr Barnes remains in custody after his own case was adjourned to the Ararat Magistrate’s Court on November 12. 

Police are expecting more charges to be laid on Mr Barnes, who has been charged with firearms offences as well as drug possession and trafficking. 

Mr Barnes appeared in court on Friday via videolink.