Police allege Mostapha/Mustapha Ali was involved in a high speed pursuit near Murrumbateman on Sunday, May 13. Police claim he evaded officers and could not be found until the same vehicle was spotted in Queanbeyan when a second pursuit was initiated.

The vehicle was later found by Australian Federal Police (AFP) near the airport in Canberra. AFP officers are investigating but claim they found Mr Ali’s passport, several firearms and a significant amount of amphetamines.

On Thursday morning Mr Ali was arrested in Young for possession of a prohibited drug, possession of equipment to use a prohibited drug and police pursuit.

Mr Ali also faces warrant charges in relation to drive in a manner dangerously/furiously, not reverse vehicle safely, use offensive weapon to evade lawful detention, assault police, driver manner dangerously, not give particulars to owner of property, police pursuit and not stop at red light.

Mr Ali appeared in Young Local Court on Wednesday afternoon to apply for bail which he was denied by registrar James McLeod.

During the bail proceedings police made submissions that Mr Ali is facing a table one matter – using a weapon to evade police.

Ms Power represented Mr Ali in the bail application and formerly applied for bail for her 21-year-old client.

Ms Power submitted Mr Ali had been living in Queanbeyan and had come home to live in Young with his family.

“I believe there are two unsuitable risks - community safety and failure to appear,” Mr McLeod said. “In relation to the two unacceptable risks - I don’t believe I can mitigate those risks, it appears the accused is evading police and goes to great lengths to do so and in doing so has driven at great speeds endangering other road users.”

Mr Ali will appear in Queanbeyan Local Court on Monday May 28 and Goulburn Local Court on May 30.

- Story first published on The Young Witness