Pubdate: Wed, 10 Nov 1999 Source: Age, The (Australia) Copyright: 1999 David Syme & Co Ltd Contact: 250 Spencer Street, Melbourne, 3000, Australia Website: http://www.theage.com.au/ Author: Sue Cant with AAP LAWYER FACES FRESH CHARGES OVER DRUGS A prominent criminal lawyer facing cocaine trafficking charges who has publicly admitted a chronic addiction to the drug was released on bail yesterday on fresh charges relating to the more serious offence of importation. On Monday, federal police charged Andrew Fraser, 48, of West St Kilda, with being knowingly concerned with the importation of 5.5 kilograms of cocaine. The Melbourne Magistrates Court was told that unless Mr Fraser, who was arrested and placed in custody on Monday night, was released, his detention would interfere with the administration of justice. Mr Fraser has continued to represent clients since his arrest on charges of cocaine use, possession and trafficking in September. Counsel for Mr Fraser, Mr Con Heliotis, QC, told the court that a trial had to be stood down yesterday because Mr Fraser was involved and he was working on about 100 files as part of his legal practice. "It is a matter that is already interfering with criminal justice in this state," Mr Heliotis said. Mr Heliotis told the court that Mr Fraser had just fought off bankruptcy proceedings, which would be initiated again if he could not maintain his practice pending a committal hearing of his case next year. He said a drug rehabilitation program involving three therapists would also be disrupted if Mr Fraser were in custody. Mr Heliotis told the court that his client was facing low-grade trafficking charges, which were committed "not out of greed" but to facilitate a chronic addiction. The court heard that police had gathered further evidence about Mr Fraser through intercepted phone calls between 16 August and 10September. A federal agent, Ms Tina Westra, told the court that Mr Fraser gave instructions to another man to facilitate the importation of the drug and evade police detection. Mr Jim Fuller, prosecuting, told the court that while the the federal police conceded that Mr Fraser was not a risk in relation to absconding, he did not meet exceptional circumstances required for bail on such a charge. The magistrate, Mr Michael Smith, said he was satisfied Mr Fraser's circumstances were exceptional and released him on a $50,000 surety to reappear on 18 January. - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart