LAWYER FACES FRESH CHARGES OVER DRUGS

A prominent criminal lawyer facing cocaine trafficking charges who has
publicly admitted a chronic addiction to the drug was released on bail
yesterday on fresh charges relating to the more serious offence of
importation.

On Monday, federal police charged Andrew Fraser, 48, of West St Kilda, with
being knowingly concerned with the importation of 5.5 kilograms of cocaine.

The Melbourne Magistrates Court was told that unless Mr Fraser, who was
arrested and placed in custody on Monday night, was released, his detention
would interfere with the administration of justice.

Mr Fraser has continued to represent clients since his arrest on charges of
cocaine use, possession and trafficking in September.

Counsel for Mr Fraser, Mr Con Heliotis, QC, told the court that a trial had
to be stood down yesterday because Mr Fraser was involved and he was
working on about 100 files as part of his legal practice.

"It is a matter that is already interfering with criminal justice in this
state," Mr Heliotis said.

Mr Heliotis told the court that Mr Fraser had just fought off bankruptcy
proceedings, which would be initiated again if he could not maintain his
practice pending a committal hearing of his case next year.

He said a drug rehabilitation program involving three therapists would also
be disrupted if Mr Fraser were in custody.

Mr Heliotis told the court that his client was facing low-grade trafficking
charges, which were committed "not out of greed" but to facilitate a
chronic addiction.

The court heard that police had gathered further evidence about Mr Fraser
through intercepted phone calls between 16 August and 10September.

A federal agent, Ms Tina Westra, told the court that Mr Fraser gave
instructions to another man to facilitate the importation of the drug and
evade police detection.

Mr Jim Fuller, prosecuting, told the court that while the the federal
police conceded that Mr Fraser was not a risk in relation to absconding, he
did not meet exceptional circumstances required for bail on such a charge.

The magistrate, Mr Michael Smith, said he was satisfied Mr Fraser's
circumstances were exceptional and released him on a $50,000 surety to
reappear on 18 January.