A man allegedly found with more than $230,000 of drug money stored in a toilet box claimed the cash must have been already inside when he bought it, a court has heard.
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Huy Huu Lee was arrested on Sunday after police allegedly discovered $234,000 in the car he was driving. A police informant told the ACT Magistrates Court on Thursday that Mr Lee had expressed surprise when the money was discovered, claiming he had just purchased the toilet from Bunnings.
Mr Lee, 43, was originally charged with one count of drug trafficking when he appeared before the court on Monday. He was slapped with a further two charges of drug trafficking and cultivation, but a count of possessing proceeds of crime was dropped by the prosecution.
Mr Lee applied for bail before Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker on Thursday.
The court has previously heard police had been watching a Macgregor home - which they allege is a drug clearing house - for some time. Police observed a Mitsubishi Lancer belonging to Francis Stanley Robertson, 64, drive into the garage on Sunday.
The garage door closed, and police then listened in on a conversation between Mr Lee and Mr Robertson via electronic surveillance.
Police searched the Robertson car when he left soon after, allegedly finding 2.7 kilograms of cannabis in heat-sealed bags.
Mr Robertson was also charged with drug trafficking and remains in custody.
The court heard Mr Lee was followed in his car a short time later and the money allegedly discovered.
Police also raided a home next door to the house where the men met, finding a ''sophisticated hydroponic set-up'' with more than 80 cannabis plants.
Prosecutor James Walker opposed bail, arguing Mr Lee could flee the jurisdiction, commit further offences if released, and interfere with investigations.
Defence lawyer Shane Gill said the grounds for opposition had no rational basis.
Mr Gill said Mr Lee could pay cash surety up to $50,000 to the court and would surrender his passport.
Chief Magistrate Walker granted bail as the defendant had strong links to the territory, had no criminal history and the investigation was beyond his interference.
Ms Walker ordered Mr Lee to reside in Dunlop and report daily to police.
Mr Lee will reappear in court in January.