Jamie Karslake was arrested on November 18 and charged with trafficking a drug of dependence, possessing firearms and proceeds of crime.

The father-of-five applied to be released on bail at the Ballarat Magistrates Court on Wednesday but he was unable to show compelling reasons.

Police informant Senior Constable Ben Knight said police searched Karslake's Haddon address at 7am on November 18 and located 21 grams of methamphetamine, 2.75 ounces of cannabis, 0.89 of heroin and $1240 in cash.

The informant said there were a large amount of ammunition, one imitation firearm and 17 firearms - 11 of which were stolen and six were unregistered.

During cross-examination, Senior Constable Knight said Karslake told police an associate was storing the firearms on his property and believed there were between five and six guns.

He said police were concerned for the public's wellbeing and safety if he was bailed.

"Police are opposing bail due to the unacceptable risk to the community," Senior Constable Knight said.

The police informant said if bail was an option, there would need to be very stringent bail conditions put in place.

"My concern is it's high level offending in regards to the seriousness of the offending," Senior Constable Knight said.

Karslake's wife, Kerry-Anne Karslake, told the court she was shocked when police arrived to search the property last month because she was unaware of the drugs and firearms, as well as her husband's alleged drug use.

She said the family relied on her husband's income, which he received from working two jobs.

Defence lawyer James Mitchell said his client had shown compelling reasons for bail because the prosecution needed to further investigate the case, there would be a delay in the case and it was Karslake's first time in custody.

"There are questions around the knowledge of how many (guns) were there. It was simply a matter that he let someone store them there," Mr Mitchell said.

Magistrate Gregory Robinson said Karslake was at risk of a considerable term of imprisonment because it appeared he was associating with dangerous people.

"I think Mr Karslake has got himself mixed up in such crime. I don't accept he can show compelling circumstances and I think the sheer volume of weapons he has had concludes that he is an unacceptable risk to the community," Mr Robinson said.

"I think the volume of weapons show this is some serious level of crime. Bail is refused."

Karslake was remanded in custody until a contested mention on January 29.

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