ONE of the men allegedly at the centre of a Tamworth and Barraba drug ring is out on bail, after being released from prison.
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Accused courier John Barry Carruthers faces 20 years' imprisonment if found guilty of commercial drug supply.
He's been granted conditional bail in the NSW Supreme Court in Sydney to live on the Central Coast and report to Wyong police everyday.
Solicitor Malcolm Carr said his client was not present in Tamworth Local Court this week, when his case was called.
"He was excused because he was injured shortly before leaving prison on bail," he told the court.
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Barraba's Glenn Mervyn Hanrahan remains behind bars and did not appear in court for the mention. Police allege he has been involved in the supply of more than 800g of methylamphetamine.
Hanrahan faces life behind bars if found guilty of large commercial ice supply; and also is charged with two other drug dealing offences; possessing drugs; and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Rob Baillie told the court "the brief [of evidence] hasn't got to the DPP", and asked for more time.
Mr Carr said he had already received some of the evidence.
"I think I have what appears to be a brief," he said.
Hanrahan's solicitor Bobby Locker took over the case from Tamworth solicitor Garry Johnston, who police had served the brief on.
Sergeant Baillie said they still needed four weeks to ensure it was a compliant brief.
"The brief is there, it just has to get to the DPP," he said.
Magistrate Julie Soars adjourned the case for a month, ordering police to serve the balance of evidence by the start of March.
"So if there is any further items get it served and get it to brief compliance," she said.
Hanrahan made no application for bail and it was formally refused.
"Mr Carruthers is on bail, so bail will continue," Ms Soars told the court.
The pair were just two of several arrested by a secret squad of Oxley police. Strike Force Kunderbung police allege that drugs, in particular ice, were being moved from the Central Coast to Barraba.
Carruthers allegedly had 112g of ice stashed in a box, hidden under his vehicle which was stopped in Willow Treet about 7.30am en route to Barraba on December 2.
A Tamworth magistrate refused him bail in December after his arrest, noting it was a "reasonably strong case", with allegations he was "involved in the supply of 467g of methamphetamine".
Police allege they uncovered $77,500 cash in a Fitzroy Street home in Barraba during a raid, where Hanrahan was then arrested.
Officers also raided a Rowan Street in Manilla, and Maxwell Street property in Tamworth, and have seized the drug ice, cannabis, drug paraphernalia, and close to $80,000 cash as part of their investigation.