A MAN has been granted bail after a search in Newcastle West allegedly led police to a cache of drugs worth an estimated $22,000.
Officers from the Newcastle City Proactive Crime Team stopped Christopher Hutchen on Hunter Street about 10.30am on Thursday before searching him.
They allegedly found $9470 in cash as well as methamphetamine, both of which were seized.
Police allege the drugs carried a potential street value of $22,572.
The 44-year-old Mayfield man was charged with supply of a prohibited drug (greater than indictable, less than commercial quantity), possessing a prohibited drug, and recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime (greater than $5000).
Magistrate Robert Stone granted Mr Hutchen strict conditional bail on Friday afternoon, despite saying the case against him appeared "pretty strong".
"The distribution of this type of drug in the community is ... a huge problem not only in Newcastle but nationally," Magistrate Stone said.
"But bail is not about starting to serve a sentence, but whether he can be released."
Among his bail conditions, he is not allowed to leave home unless in the company of his partner, and must remain at home between 9pm and 8am.
He was banned from entering any international departure point.
Mr Hutchen will face Newcastle Local Court again on February 23.
