Anthony Musarra, 37, was arrested at his Bacchus Marsh home, which he shares with his ice-using partner, last Friday after a police search discovered evidence of trafficking, as well as a small quantity of the drug. 

Granting Musarra bail on Monday, magistrate Peter Mithen said Musarra’s involvement with the credit bail program over the next few weeks could save his life. 

“This may be the chance to get you off this terrible habit,” Mr Mithen said. “Ice really is just the worst drug going around. It’s just a ticket to oblivion.”

Musarra is charged with offences including trafficking methylamphetamine, two counts of dealing with property suspected of being the proceeds of crime, possessing and using methylamphetamine, and possessing cartridge ammunition without licence or permit. 

While police did not oppose Musarra’s bail application, prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Pepe Brown said officers found 15 grams of ice, scales, three mobile phones and a large amount of cash in the accused’s car when he arrived home while police were searching his house.

The court heard police found small empty plastic bags, scales and a variety of unused ammunition in Musarra’s garage. 

Leading Senior Constable Brown said Musarra admitted to police he had an ice habit in which he used one gram, or $500 worth, each day. 

The court heard his partner also had an ice habit. Alex Cini, for Musarra, said his client had no prior convictions for trafficking, adding the combination of adequate accommodation with his sister and the credit bail program would deter Musarra from reoffending. 

Musarra was bailed and will reappear in Ballarat Magistrates Court on June 1.