A gardener is accused of hydroponically growing marijuana and making gummies out of the drug, which were then allegedly sold to children via social media.
Saeed Haddara, 26, was granted bail in the ACT Magistrates Court on Wednesday after a police investigation into the sale of marijuana and vapes across Canberra.
He is yet to enter pleas to 10 charges including drug trafficking, possessing steroids, supplying vapes, possessing proceeds of crime, cultivating marijuana for sale, contravening a court order, and not storing marijuana out of reach of children.
Police previously issued a warning over the potential toxic effects of the marijuana gummies, urging anyone who has them to hand them in.
Haddara was arrested at his home in Crace on Wednesday morning when officers seized about $19,700 cash, two mobile phones and other documents from a Franklin home. It is alleged these items link Haddara to co-accused Phuc Tran, 24.
Police allege Haddata had been operating a grow house at the Franklin address, where he was cultivating hydroponically grown marijuana to make gummies and cookies laced with the drug. The 26-year-old is also accused of storing more than 600 illegal vapes.
The drugs, edibles and vapes were then said to have been supplied to Tran, who was selling the items via a mobile delivery service around Canberra. These items are said to have been sold to people, including school-aged teenagers, via Snapchat and other social media.
On Wednesday, Haddara's lawyer, Anthony Williamson SC, argued the prosecution's vape allegations were "extremely tenuous to say the best".
Mr Williamson said Haddara and Tran had previously been flatmates and "the evidence points squarely" at the other man.
The barrister argued allegations his client had refused police access to his phone related to Haddara's religious beliefs and his not wanting officers to view private images.
The cash, Mr Williamson said, was from the man's landscaping and gardening businesses as well as money pooled to furnish his new Crace home.
A prosecutor had opposed bail citing a likelihood of Haddara interfering with evidence or witnesses.
Magistrate Jane Campbell granted bail, saying "I don't see how keeping Mr Haddara in custody would prevent ... accessing any accounts remotely".
He is scheduled to reappear before court next month.
Tran remains behind bars on remand and is set to face court again at a later date.
Anyone who can assist police with information about the illegal sale and distribution of drugs in the ACT is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously.
