A Tasmanian man has been sentenced to two and a half years’ imprisonment for his role in a sophisticated drug trafficking syndicate that imported up to 3.5 kilograms of methylamphetamine into the state.
SJQ, 47, pleaded guilty to one count of trafficking methylamphetamine after being arrested at Hobart Airport in January 2022 while attempting to collect a bag containing 498 grams of the drug from a luggage carousel.
The Supreme Court heard the syndicate operated between October 2021 and January 2022, with members making seven trips to Queensland to source drugs worth potentially $3.5 million.
SJQ’s role included transporting courier “M” to and from the airport on two occasions and selling drugs to end users on behalf of syndicate leader “L”.
Justice Tamara Jago found SJQ had fraudulently obtained more than $89,000 from the Australian Taxation Office through false GST claims, transferring approximately half to the syndicate leader to fund drug purchases.
“I am satisfied that the false GST claims were clearly part of the manner in which the syndicate funded the purchase of drugs,” Justice Jago said during sentencing.
“It is an aggravating feature that money was being unlawfully obtained from the tax office in order to purchase the drugs.”
The court heard SJQ’s involvement in drug trafficking began after he lost his job in 2018 and developed a severe methylamphetamine addiction following his mother’s death from cancer in 2016.
His addiction led to homelessness and the breakdown of his long-term relationship.
Justice Jago acknowledged SJQ’s rehabilitation efforts since his arrest, including completing addiction programmes through the Salvation Army and maintaining sobriety for more than 12 months.
However, the judge noted concerns about SJQ’s reluctance to fully admit the extent of his involvement.
“You either do not have a full appreciation of just how serious your involvement in this matter was, or you are not being honest about it,” the judge said.
The syndicate’s courier “M” was previously sentenced to five years’ imprisonment in July 2023, while leader “L” and his partner “E” are yet to be sentenced.
Bank records revealed SJQ had transferred $33,957 to “L” and $10,500 to “E” during the trafficking period, while also withdrawing more than $62,000 in cash despite his only income being Centrelink benefits.
SJQ will serve 18 months in prison before becoming eligible for parole, with the final 12 months of his sentence suspended on condition he commits no further offences punishable by imprisonment for 18 months.
