Serious drug charges for four alleged members of major Albany drug syndicate busted in undercover operation

Four people allegedly involved in a major Albany drug syndicate cracked by police, have fronted court for the first time. After a major drug bust at a home in Albany last week, four people were arrested and hit with significant drug charges. The four alleged members of the syndicate appeared in custody in Albany Magistrates Court. Owen Leslie Sullivan, 41, Emily Jane Carter, 41, and Jason Edward Olivieri, 46, were each charged with selling a trafficable quantity of methamphetamine and possession of stolen or unlawfully obtained property and fronted court on July 20. Police prosecutor Sgt Mike Russell told the court that about 7pm on July 19, Mr Sullivan, Ms Carter and Mr Olivieri are all accused of selling 28g of methamphetamine to another person for $14,000 at a home in Bayonet Head. Sgt Russell told the court police also found $20,000 cash in a bedroom in the home following a search of the home. During Ms Carter’s appearance, Sgt Russell told the court the incident took place at her rental home, while her two children were present, and the $20,000 was found in her bedroom. Legal aid duty lawyer Lucy Bourne represented all three alleged offenders and made applications for Mr Sullivan and Ms Carter to be released on bail, which was refused by Magistrate Dianne Scaddan. Mr Olivieri is also facing further drug-related charges including three counts of selling meth, and possessing cannabis, LSD and meth. A fourth person arrested as part of the same police operation, Sheralee Ann Steele, 41, also appeared in court on July 21 and was denied bail. Ms Steele faces four charges of selling methamphetamine. Police prosecutor Sgt Warrick Walker said Ms Steele is alleged to have sold 0.2g and 1.7g of the drug on June 21, 1.2g on July 18 and 2.2g of meth on July 19 in Bayonet Head and Albany. Police allege at 5.30pm on July 18, Ms Steele allegedly sold 1.2g of meth for $600, just hours after appearing in court on non-drugs related charges. Sgt Walker told the court Ms Steele had a long history of drug-related offending and a guilty plea she had entered on a no authority to drive charge during the July 18 court appearance would trigger a suspended imprisonment order. Ms Steele began crying when Ms Scaddan denied her application for bail. Mr Sullivan, Ms Carter and Mr Olivieri were remanded in custody and will next appear on August 3. Ms Steele also was remanded in custody and will reappear on August 17.