THE alleged leader of an ice dealing ring has been given more time to find a solicitor as investigators prepare to confiscate several cars believed to be the proceeds of his crimes.
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Mark Lee Wortley remains behind bars following his arrest in February during a series of targeted raids on homes in Gunnedah following an eight month investigation.
The operation, code-named Strike Force Codes, had been tracking Wortley after he allegedly supplied ice on an ongoing basis in Gunnedah.
The 32-year-old is charged with 14 drug and dealing-related offences and faces up to 20 years in jail if convicted.
Strike Force Codes detectives have filed a freezing order in court to confiscate several items including four motor vehicles, a boat and a trailer seized during a raid on February 3.
The lead detective of the case was in Tamworth Local Court for the application this week but the court was told Wortley is still yet to secure a solicitor or enter any pleas.
“You don’t agree with the contents of the order,” Magistrate Michael Holmes asked Wortley.
“No, I want to talk to a solicitor,” he said, appearing via video link from South Coast Correctional Centre.
Wortley made no application for bail and remains in custody.
Meanwhile, several of Wortley’s co-accused have had their cases adjourned as discussions continued with the DPP.
Nikita Wortley, Howard Adams and Helen Eason, who are alleged to have been involved in the supply of ice in Gunnedah, remain on conditional bail.
DPP solicitor Fiona Irwin told the court the briefs of evidence have been served on defence solicitors and the matters are progressing.
“There are negotiations afoot so I’m asking for the matter to be held over,” she said.
Mr Holmes granted the adjournment for the cases but said it had to proceed to trial or sentence in August.