David Eddy, 51, and his children Joshua, 29, and Jaide, 18, are each primarily charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of cocaine and methamphetamine, along with a number of other drug trafficking charges.
David Eddy is additionally charged with possessing an unregistered handgun, an imitation firearm without exemption and cartridge ammunition without a licence, as well as dealing proceeds of crime, while Joshua is charged with dealing proceeds of crimes and possessing a prescribed item, being a scope.
At a bail application for Jaide Eddy, Echo Taskforce Detective Senior Constable Ciaran Duryea told the court police had executed a search warrant at Jaide and David Eddy's Cobram house in the early Sunday morning.
They allegedly located vacuum-sealed bags containing 2-2.5 kg of cocaine and 1 kg of methamphetamine in a false wall section behind the fridge. The section was secured with a lock.
The court heard a vacuum sealer, bags, a press used for compounding drugs and imitation firearms were also seized from the property, along with Jaide Eddy's car which is alleged to be proceeds of crime.
Det Sen Constable Duryea said the Echo Taskforce's investigation triggered its resolution phase when David Eddy entered Victoria at Cobram early on Sunday morning. He was arrested, with a search of his vehicle allegedly finding $100,000 to $150,000 cash and a loaded firearm.
Police allege Jaide, David and Joshua Eddy, along with other family members, are part of a drug syndicate responsible for trafficking through the Murray and Goulburn valleys.
It was heard police executed warrants at at least seven other properties in Cobram, where they seized items including vehicles, cash, weapons and ammunition, and luxury items such as jewellery and handbags.
The court heard Jaide denied all allegations put forward by police in interview, along with any knowledge of drug trafficking.
Det Sen Constable Duryea alleged Joshua Eddy was the "ringleader" of the syndicate with David playing a "secondary" role.
Police formally opposed bail but Det Sen Constable Duryea acknowledged jail was "no place for an 18-year-old female". He said Jaide Eddy was the "most likely" of the co-accused to contact prosecution witnesses.
Defence counsel Nick Marcevski argued Jaide Eddy showed exceptional circumstances to be granted bail due to her age, potential delay before trial, it being her first time in custody and onerous custody conditions due to COVID-19.
He further labelled the prosecution case against his client as "weak", noting her father had also lived at the house and had been intercepted with the large amount of money, while her brother had been the target of the investigation.
Magistrate Peter Dunn said he did "not necessarily agree" with the prosecution assertion of a "very strong case" against the accused and granted bail, with Jaide Eddy to re-appear in court on October 12.
Bail conditions included to reside at a static address in Cobram, a curfew, not to contact prosecution witnesses or any co-accused and to not apply for a passport.
Earlier in the day, defence lawyer Theo Magazis represented David and Joshua Eddy, and told the court neither would apply for bail.
It was heard a "lengthy investigation" including a "large amount" of telephone intercepts had taken place over a number of months.
Mr Magazis asked David Eddy be prioritised for a transfer to a remand facility due to his medical and psychiatric history.
Both were remanded to appear in court on October 12 for committal mention.
● Three other people have also been charged in relation to the Echo Taskforce investigation and bailed at Cobram Magistrates’ Court on December 22.
A Cobram woman, 25, has been charged with trafficking a drug of dependence and possessing proceeds of crime.
A Cobram woman, 28, has been charged with possessing proceeds of crime.
A Cobram man, 30, has been charged with possessing explosives, possessing a drug of dependence and possessing proceeds of crime.
