Alleged drug dealer accused of causing car crash, hospitalising two

A stolen Mercedes-Benz sedan crashed into another vehicle at the intersection of Monaro Highway and Hindmarsh Drive in Symonston on 30 March 2025. Photo: ACT Policing.

A man accused of causing a car crash on the weekend was allegedly found to have meth and heroin in his backpack after he tried to flee the scene on foot.

It is alleged that a stolen Mercedes-Benz sedan was driven through several red traffic lights along Hindmarsh Drive before it crashed into a second vehicle at the intersection with the Monaro Highway in Symonston on Sunday afternoon (30 March).

The driver of the Mercedes then fled the scene on foot but was chased by a witness across the highway and through a number of backyards, an ACT Policing spokesperson alleged.

During the chase, this witness allegedly saw the driver drop a backpack.

The witness apprehended the alleged driver, 33-year-old Matthew James Meekin from Hughes, in a nearby backyard before police arrived to arrest him a short time later.

The witness also showed police the location of the backpack, which was allegedly found to contain a trafficable amount of illicit drugs, a large amount of cash, weapons including a machete and flick knife, as well as paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

The two people who were inside the second vehicle had to be taken to hospital with head and limb injuries after the crash.

These items were allegedly seized from a backpack after the crash on Hindmarsh Drive on 30 March 2025. Photo: ACT Policing.

Meekin faced the ACT Magistrates Court on Monday (31 March), where he was charged with drug trafficking, negligent driving occasioning actual bodily harm, dealing with the proceeds of crime, not giving assistance after a crash, drug driving, unlicenced driving and driving without consent. The court heard the drug trafficking charge allegedly related to methylamphetamine and heroin.

Meekin applied for bail, which was not opposed by the prosecution on agreed conditions.

Magistrate Jane Campbell granted bail on those conditions and adjourned the matter to 24 April. No pleas were entered.

Police want to hear from anyone who may have footage of the Mercedes-Benz on Sunday afternoon.

If you witnessed the incident or have information, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers ACT. Quote P2338618.