Two suspected drug traffickers arrested after a covert phone tap operation have been denied bail.
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Forde man Yan Cui, 33, and Bruce woman Thuy Tran, 26, were arrested for drug offences on Wednesday night after simultaneous raids by ACT Policing’s drugs and organised crime team.
The pair appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court on Thursday and both made bids for release on bail.
The court heard that phone calls between the pair had been intercepted before the arrests.
Police feared Cui, who is charged with possessing and trafficking in methamphetamine, may try to flee to China or interfere with witnesses and ongoing investigations. Cui, who runs a flooring business in Canberra, was taken into custody after a search warrant executed on his car and his Forde home.
They allegedly found drugs, sets of scales, and smoking implements.
Another search warrant was also executed on the Bruce home of Tran, a property she shared with her partner.
Police told the court they found 20 MDMA tablets, 11 grams of methamphetamine, and $9645 cash in various locations.
Tran was charged with possessing stolen property, possessing drugs, and trafficking.
The court heard Tran claimed to have been self-employed, doing manicures for friends, and was also on Centrelink benefits.
Police say she tried to remove drugs from her clothing during the search to conceal them from authorities.
Her lawyer, Craig Lynch, said bail conditions could ease the concerns of prosecutors that Tran would reoffend and interfere with witnesses or the ongoing investigation.
But Magistrate Bernadette Boss refused bail for both. They will appear in court again next month.