Second bail bid in a month fails for alleged drug trafficker

A court has heard of concerns for the safety of an alleged drug trafficker as he sought release from custody.

Seamus Michael Patrick Ryan has been charged with four counts of trafficking a controlled drug other than cannabis, one count of trafficking cannabis and three counts of possessing a prohibited weapon – namely, a double-sided dagger.

According to court documents, police searched his Lyneham unit on 10 July, 2024, and found about 77 kilograms of methylamine (a precursor chemical), 5.7 kilograms of cannabis, 1.3 kilograms of MDMA, 150 grams of methylamphetamine, 75 grams of cocaine and 270 grams of ketamine.

The 24-year-old man’s unit also allegedly contained empty vacuum-sealed bags, a vacuum sealer and a list of names with amounts. Police also found two double-sided daggers.

Mr Ryan allegedly told police that while he knew there was a large amount of illegal drugs in his apartment, he was storing them for an unknown person, the court documents state. He also said a small amount of illegal drugs allegedly belonged to him, and he would occasionally sell to others.

Mr Ryan appeared before the ACT Magistrates Court on Friday (19 July), when he applied for bail for the second time in less than a month.

Legal Aid defence lawyer Ellie Wallis said the alleged offending took place when her client was living away from home for the first time. He had moved to Canberra in early 2024.

Under proposed bail conditions, Mr Ryan would leave the ACT and live in Goulburn, where his parents were “willing to essentially be in the company of [their son] 24/7”, she said.

His mother was a stay-at-home parent, Ms Wallis said, giving her the “capacity to be with him at all times”.

The court heard Mr Ryan’s parents also proposed $1000 in surety.

Ms Wallis said her client had no criminal history and there would be a “very low risk of [him] reoffending” in Goulburn.

The court heard the 24-year-old had also experienced a “decline in his mental health” since being taken into custody.

If released, Mr Ryan would also resume counselling at headspace Goulburn, she said.

Prosecutor David Swan opposed bail and described the “strength of evidence” against Mr Ryan as “overwhelming”.

He said there was evidence Mr Ryan was allegedly involved in a “very large and well-organised operation”.

Magistrate Campbell refused bail, saying she was not satisfied with the “very stringent” bail conditions the defence had proposed.

“It is my view that the risk of reoffending is too high,” she said.

She said she believed there was a “motive to flee the jurisdiction” due to the “serious nature” of the charges.

Magistrate Campbell also expressed concern over the possibility of retribution while Mr Ryan was in the community or in custody, as the seizures of about 80 kilograms of drugs meant “someone is out of pocket a large amount of money”.

“I don’t wish to transfer that risk to his parents, as well.”

Mr Ryan’s mother called out to her son and said “I love you” as he was led away.

Mr Ryan is next expected to face the ACT Magistrates Court on 22 July. He is yet to enter a plea.