A man accused of attempting to manufacture methamphetamine in a clandestine drug laboratory in a quiet, suburban Canberra street has been refused bail.
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Luke Schneider, 32, appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court on Saturday morning charged with possession of a tablet press, attempting to manufacture a controlled drug and trafficking in a controlled drug.
The charges followed Mr Schneider's arrest a day earlier, when police executed a search warrant and allegedly found what Detective Superintendent Scott Moller described as a "fairly sophisticated, established" illicit drug laboratory at the back of a home on Wilkins Street.
Mr Schneider did not enter pleas on Saturday morning but his solicitor, Jacob Robertson, made an application for bail on his behalf.
Magistrate Glenn Theakston refused the application and remanded Mr Schneider in custody until his next court appearance on Wednesday.
Mr Theakston said based on the information provided to the court by police, Mr Schneider had told police he felt compelled to try and manufacture methamphetamine and crack cocaine because of a debt he owed.
The magistrate said while it was not clear who that debt was owed to, he was concerned it might motivate Mr Schneider to commit further offences if granted bail.
Mr Theakston said he did not share the prosecution's concerns that Mr Schneider might attempt to interfere with evidence.
The prosecution called Constable Laura Howe, from ACT Policing's drug and organised crime team, as a witness during Saturday morning's hearing.
The investigator told the court explosives had also been found at the Mawson address.
While being cross-examined by Mr Robertson, Constable Howe told the court she had been at the Woden Police Station with Mr Schneider on Friday and not at the home.
But she said a colleague had sent a message in a group chat that indicated pipe bombs had been located.
No charges had yet been laid over the alleged explosives, but Constable Howe said police were continuing to collect evidence and conduct forensic examinations at the Mawson property.
Mr Robertson said Mr Schneider categorically denied any allegations relating to explosives.
Mr Theakston said he would remand Mr Schneider in custody until Wednesday, which would allow police time to confirm what explosives, if any, were found at the address.
