A MISSING stack of evidence against an alleged ice dealer has caused his case to be delayed, but the lack of progress has been slammed as "unacceptable" as the accused waits behind bars.
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Glenn Mervyn Hanrahan did not appear in Tamworth Local Court when his case was called last week, and defence solicitor Garry Johnston said he hadn't yet been served a brief of evidence.
Mr Johnston told the court police had done "their very best" to get the evidence to him after he took over the matter, including passing on another person's copy of the brief.
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Mr Johnston told the court it was a voluminous stack of evidence and there were several co-accused in the matter, and said he had been emailed hundreds of pages of phone transcript summaries.
But, he said at the time he didn't have a complete version of his own to look over with his client, and had to ask for an adjournment.
"It's really an unacceptable delay at this stage," magistrate Julie Soars said.
The raft of drug charges against Hanrahan had already been confirmed by the state prosecuting authority, the DPP.
Ms Soars agreed to adjourn the matter for a month, but warned it must proceed next time, if possible.
Hanrahan is accused of being involved in an alleged drug supply ring operating in Tamworth, Manilla and Barraba, and has been in custody since he was arrested by Strike Force Kunderbung officers late last year.
He was charged with a string of drug supply allegations and dealing with the proceeds of crime after the secret squad of Oxley officers raided a Barraba home and claim they uncovered $77,500 in cash.
Police allege drugs, in particular ice, were being moved up to the region from the Central Coast as part of the alleged supply ring busted by the strike force.
Investigations led to other raids and arrests and the co-accused remain before the court.
Hanrahan made no application for his release and bail was formally refused.
The case was adjourned.
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