Former reality television personality and socialite Brynne Edelsten has appeared in a Melbourne court to answer serious drug charges, after police allegedly discovered commercial quantities of illegal substances during a search of her inner-city home.
Significant Haul Alleged in Fitzroy Property
Victoria Police executed a search warrant at Edelsten's property in Fitzroy on Monday. Officers allege they found significant amounts of methamphetamine, ketamine, and a date rape drug inside the residence. The prosecution argued in court that the 42-year-old mother is part of a wider drug trafficking network.
The investigation began in October when authorities were tipped off about an alleged smuggling operation. One of Edelsten's co-accused is believed to have sent parcels containing meth from Victoria to Tasmania.
Court Hears Allegations of 'Treasure Trove of Drugs'
During Tuesday's hearing at Melbourne Magistrates' Court, Magistrate Brett Sonnet did not hold back in his assessment. He stated that, given the volume of substances allegedly found, Edelsten was either a 'significant user or a significant trafficker' and described her home as a 'treasure trove of drugs'.
Edelsten, who cried while hearing the allegations, has been charged with trafficking and possessing methamphetamine, as well as possessing a schedule four poison. She has denied any knowledge of the drugs allegedly present in her home and was visibly distressed throughout the proceedings.
Bail Granted Amidst Ongoing Investigation
The court heard that a forensic analysis of Edelsten's mobile phone, which prosecutors say will reveal the extent of her alleged involvement, could take up to 12 months to complete. Despite the serious charges, Edelsten was granted bail under strict conditions, including reporting to a police station three days a week.
Her mother joined the hearing via video link from Arizona and expressed willingness to travel to Melbourne to support her daughter. When approached by media outside court, a dishevelled-looking Edelsten, dressed in thongs, colourful shorts and a baggy jumper, referred all questions to her lawyer.
This is not Edelsten's first encounter with drug charges. She was dramatically arrested and charged with trafficking and possessing 'ice' in May 2021, but those charges were dropped in April 2022. Edelsten first came to public attention after moving from the United States in 2008 and marrying the late, eccentric multi-millionaire Australian businessman Geoffrey Edelsten in November 2009.
