Rainbow Serpent Festival contractor Martin Joseph Mahoney, 35, and his passenger Pedro Gomide, 36, were arrested on Wednesday at Warrenheip’s Shell service station after police allegedly found a large amount of drugs and cash in Mahoney’s vehicle.

Mahoney’s bail application at the Ballarat Magistrates Court on Friday was told police investigators had analysed his mobile telephone which included conversations about a police sniffer dog operation at the festival next week.

Ballarat Divisional Response Unit Senior Constable Jaclyn Clark said Mahoney was travelling to the festival with the drugs before the police operation started.

She said police investigators received intelligence about the drugs in the vehicle, which included 260 grams of cocaine valued about $85,000, 84 grams of cannabis, 15 grams of MDMA, 25 grams of amphetamine and amphetamine paste and one litre of GHB.

Police allege the drugs and cash were located in various parts of the vehicle in bags, envelopes and zip lock bags, while electronic scales and two mobile phones were located.

The allegedly seized cash totalling $12,453 in Australian currency and $6200 in American currency.

Defence barrister Jacob Kantor suggested the cash was associated with his client’s business, Psyclone Tents, and he was attending the festival to provide tents.

He said there was no current evidence showing Mahoney was trafficking the drugs.

Mahoney’s mother Dr Janet Mahoney told the court she was waiting on a kidney transplant and once that operation occurred, her son was the only person who could care for her.

Magistrate Ron Saines did not accept Mahoney had shown cause and refused his bail application.

“These are the most serious matters. These are matters that go to the question of community safety,” Mr Saines said.

Mahoney and Gomide face nine charges each, including three counts of trafficking a drug of dependence.

They have both been remanded in custody until March 8.