Steven Michael Patestos, 56, has been granted bail with strict conditions after being allegedly caught with a “wholesale” amount of cocaine and a bundle of cash hidden in his vehicle.
According to 9 News, Patestos is facing charges of possessing over 200 grams of dangerous drugs, possessing cash suspected of being the proceeds of crime, and driving without a licence.
Patestos was pulled over near Mackay, north Queensland, on December 10, 2024, where police allegedly discovered one kilogram of cocaine in his vehicle’s roof-top tent, along with $1,000 in cash.
Brisbane Supreme Court Justice Melanie Hindman acknowledged the seriousness of the charges, describing the cocaine as a “wholesale amount” and noting Patestos could face significant jail time if convicted.
Despite the severity of the case, the Crown did not oppose bail, and Defence solicitor Nick Crawford made no further submissions. Justice Hindman agreed, stating that the risk of further offences could be mitigated by strict bail conditions.
Patestos will be required to wear an ankle bracelet, be limited to possessing one mobile phone, and provide access to the device upon police request. He is also prohibited from using encrypted messaging apps.
The court also imposed a tracking device to monitor his compliance with bail conditions, including attending court and abiding by residential restrictions.
Patestos denied knowledge of the drugs found in his vehicle and provided an explanation for the cash.
Source: 9 News.
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