The charges were a result of Strike Force Keryn, launched in late 2018 targeting the alleged local supply of crystal methylamphetamine. All five defendants were refused bail and their matters adjourned to Tuesday, November 5.

Jasmin Alicia Holt, aged 40, of Short Street, Mudgee, faces 161 charges, alleged to have occurred between March 19 and July 4. Cara Pauline Scicluna, aged 38, of Mortimer Street, Mudgee faces 128 charges, alleged to have occurred between February 10 and June 22.

Joel Garry Wicks, aged 47, of Belmore Street, Gulgong, faces six charges, alleged to have occurred between April 2 and 14. Benjamin Biffin, aged 39, of Burrundulla Avenue, Mudgee, faces five charges, alleged to have occurred between May 17 and 31.

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Only Daniel Roy Evans, aged 36, of Faucett Drive Mudgee, made an application for bail. He faces 117 charges, alleged to have occurred between February 1 and March 21.

Simon Flynn, acting as agent for Evans's solicitor, told the court "it's anticipated pleas of 'not guilty' will be entered to the lion's share of the charges" and that on bail he would attend drug treatment, work, and prepare his defence.

Police prosecutor Kris O'Brien opposed bail, citing a strong case and that the Section 5 threshold - above which a sentence of imprisonment must be considered if convicted of the alleged offences - "will be well and truly crossed". Furthermore, Evans's prior record and risk to the community were too great.

Magistrate David Day concurred, refusing bail and said the chances of him failing to appear on the next occasion is "extreme to the point of being an unacceptable risk".