Drug ‘mega lab’ accused bailed

THREE men charged over a clandestine drug `mega lab’ on the Gold Coast have been granted bail on the condition they post significant cash sureties.

Andreas Schmidt, 44, Dane James Marriott, 36, and Darren Cutting, 29, faced the Southport Magistrates Court today charged with producing drugs and possessing drugs and drug-related items at a Currumbin Valley property.

Police have alleged the lab was large enough to manufacture more than 70kg of illicit drugs, worth an estimated $60 million on the street.

Today police objected to bail for all three men.

Solicitor Jodi Allen from Buckland Allen Lawyers argued the police case against her clients Schmidt and Marriott was `circumstantial at best’.

Solicitor Mark Williams from Potts Lawyers argued Cutting had played an ‘insignificant role’ and had strong community ties as seen by the 25 supporters who filled the arrest court.

Magistrate Michael O’Driscoll said he was concerned at the seriousness of the police allegations but granted bail on the condition they each pay cash sureties.

He ordered Schmidt and Marriott each post $100,000 cash sureties and Cutting post a $50,000 surety.

Outside court Ms Allen and Mr Williams said their clients were relieved at the opportunity to be on bail and looked forward to receiving a full brief of evidence from the police.

All three men will face court again on July 18.