An accused heroin trafficker had his court appearance cut short so he could receive medical treatment for injuries he claimed were caused by police as they arrested him.
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Van Dam Hoang, 42, faced the ACT Magistrates Court charged with three drug trafficking offences and resisting arrest on Friday.
Mr Hoang, of Dunlop, appeared distressed and his face was swollen around one eye and covered in dark bruises.
Police said in a statement that officers observed Hoang exchange heroin for cash on February 26 and March 5.
He was arrested after police allegedly saw him supply drugs to another man in Weetangera on Thursday.
Police said they seized items including cash and some white powder when they searched a silver Mazda and residences in Hawker and Dunlop.
Prosecutors opposed Mr Hoang's bail application when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker.
A Vietnamese interpreter was enlisted to communicate the charges and police facts to the accused, but proceedings were stopped before the matter was fully heard.
Mr Hoang's defence lawyer referred to his facial bruises and said he had further injuries on other parts of his body.
"He's told me that was caused by the police, there is a resist arrest charge," he said.
He told the court there were serious concerns for his client's health and he needed urgent medical attention.
Ms Walker said arrangements would need to be made for Corrective Services personnel to travel to hospital with Mr Hoang as his bail application was not fully heard and he remained in custody.
Mr Hoang's lawyer said his client's "physical position is more pronounced than his legal position".
The matter was stood down so Mr Hoang could be taken to hospital for treatment.
