A Tasmanian man’s plan to collect half a kilogram of methylamphetamine from an airport’s baggage carousel was foiled when police intercepted the courier moments before the handover.
The 47-year-old, identified only as SJQ, was this month sentenced to 30 months behind bars after pleading guilty to his role in the drug trafficking syndicate.
The Supreme Court heard the operation smuggled up to 3.5 kilograms of methylamphetamine into Tasmania from Queensland.
On January 9, 2022, SJQ was waiting at the airport for a bag with distinctive markings when police moved in.
Officers stopped courier “M” and took the bag from the carousel before SJQ could grab it. Inside, they found 498 grams of the drug
Both men were arrested, ending SJQ’s involvement in what the judge later described as a “relatively sophisticated and continuous business” run by syndicate head “L”.
The court was told SJQ had twice driven the courier to and from the airport, fully aware of the purpose of the trips.
Justice Tamara Jago said SJQ’s role was more than peripheral, noting he had been trusted with a valuable consignment and was “a trusted and integral part of the syndicate”.
The operation was estimated to have generated up to $3.5 million. Prosecutors said SJQ also sold drugs to end users and claimed $89,000 in fraudulent GST refunds to help fund purchases.
His lawyer argued he was driven by severe addiction, triggered by job loss and his mother’s death, which left him homeless and caused him to lose “everything”.
Since his arrest, SJQ has completed rehabilitation programs and remained drug-free for more than 12 months.
Justice Jago suspended the final 12 months of his sentence, meaning SJQ will serve 18 months before becoming eligible for parole.
