Medical practice manager remanded after second drug arrest in a month
Chantelle Ludbrook, arrested twice in five weeks, was remanded in custody for drug offences.
Police say they found methamphetamine, ecstasy, cannabis and two jars of psilocybin mushrooms in small bags in Ludbrook's Winter Valley bedroom on October 30. A search of the garage allegedly uncovered 200ml of GHB in a massage oil bottle.
An imitation firearm was found in a bedside table. Ludbrook, 38, was also arrested on September 30.
Police said they found methamphetamine and a hunting knife during a traffic stop. The magistrate said he sympathised with her circumstances.
But he felt police had a strong case. Drug trafficking was a scourge on the community, he said.
Ludbrook was remanded in custody until November 30.
- September 30 and October 30, 2026
- Arrests in five weeks
- Winter Valley house
- Location of second arrest
- 38, no prior criminal history
- Ludbrook's age
Why it mattersThe case highlights how quickly someone can move from respected employment into serious criminal charges, and raises questions about mental health support and drug addiction in regional Victoria.
AustraliaShows how drug trafficking is reaching towns and cities across regional Australia, affecting communities like Ballarat and putting pressure on local court systems.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 5 h ago
