Drug mule behind bars

Ice addict caught red handed in bid to pay off debt

A DRUG runner has claimed that graphic and detailed pressures forced him to courier a large quantity of drugs from Brisbane to be peddled in Cairns.

Brad Daniel McKean was caught red handed with 135.27 grams of ice and four kilograms of cannabis.

The street price is valued at more than $55,000.

He had hoped to eliminate a drug debt, but for his efforts McKean was convicted and jailed for five years to serve at least 16 months.

“People need to get longer jail sentences to make it plain it’s not worth the money,” Justice James Henry said.

McKean, from Cairns, used a fake name to book a room at a Lake St hotel.

However on March 31 last year housekeeping found the cannabis and called police who, during a search, uncovered the methylamphetamines.

While officers were searching, McKean tried to destroy a mobile phone saying “nothing personal mate”.

Yesterday he pleaded guilty to possessing drugs in excess of two grams. Barrister James Sheridan said his client had been addicted to ice, racking up a drug debt worth more than $5000.

McKean’s motives weren’t promoted by blatant greed.

Through Mr Sheridan, McKean claimed he was told of ramifications for him and his family if he didn’t comply by transporting the drugs.

“He frankly acknowledges that that doesn’t provide a defence,” Mr Sheridan said.

Regardless of whether it was for profit or to pay off a drug debt, Justice Henry said McKean was still “pumping this evil drug into the community”.

McKean had since made proactive efforts to overcome his drug addiction.

Justice Henry said the transportation of drugs was a critical part of the trafficking enterprise.

“As a drug dependant person you would be well aware of the misery the drug methylamphetamine inflicts upon users and their loved ones,” he said.

“You were willingly playing a role in peddling such consequences.”