Drug seller told police he feared being shot

A DRUG trafficker declared he was “going to be shot” when police found a hidden stash of cash during a raid.

David Harker, 27, was sentenced this week in Townsville after pleading guilty to trafficking dangerous drugs, three counts of supplying dangerous drugs and a string of other drug- related offences.

Crown prosecutor Monique Sheppard said police raided Harker’s house in August 2017.

“About 90 minutes into the search police located a number of items of interest, including digital scales and $ 6900 ( in) cash,” Ms Sheppard said. “Also found was a scrapbook which ( the prosecution argues) was tick sheets identifying customers and money owed.”

Ms Sheppard said Harker offered excuses to police, providing explanations for the possession of clip- seal bags and claiming the scrapbook related to a card game. The cash was found inside a Foxtel box.

Defence barrister Anthony Collins said his client told police, “I’m going to get shot on sight” when the cash was found.

“Whilst the prosecution say there is a profit element here, it was paying off debt,” he said.

Justice David North said the offending took place over a three- month period, during which Harker had 33 customers, including 11 regulars.

Justice North took into account the need to protect the community from the trafficking of drugs, Harker’s chances of rehabilitation and the 191 days of pre- sentence custody to his name when handing down the sentence.

Harker was sentenced to four- and- a- half years of imprisonment. He will be eligible for parole on August 18, 2019.