‘Staggering’ amount of drugs in raid

A FATHER busted with a “staggering” amount of drugs worth up to $400,000 told police it was for “personal use”.

More than 16kg of cannabis was found stashed away in various rooms around the home of 55-year-old Ingham man John Charles Peebles, after police conducted a raid on March 31, 2017.

Police found containers of marijuana packed for sale in the living area, laundry, kitchen and several rooms including bedrooms, along with a small amount of methamphetamine.

The estimated street value of the cannabis was between $100,000-$400,000.

Nearly $29,000 in cash was also found in Peebles’ house along with scales and clipsealed bags. The court heard Peebles participated in a police interview after he was arrested where he claimed the cannabis was for “personal use”.

Crown prosecutor Molly Mahlouzarides told the court on Thursday Peebles had previously been sentenced in the Townsville Supreme Court in 2009 for drug offences after he grew marijuana crops at his cane farm in Ingham.

Peebles pleaded guilty to four drug offences when he fronted Townsville District Court. He was discharged of one count of trafficking in dangerous drugs.

He was supported by family in court.

Defence barrister Harvey Walters said his client had already suffered a “very heavy financial penalty” after more his than $92,000 was also seized from a bank account, which records showed dated back to the late 1990s.

“He and his wife have been beneficial in that they come from very hardworking families, they’ve had considerable help from their families and the hard work … done in farming,” he said.

Mr Walters said Peebles had been diagnosed with epilepsy, and extended periods in jail would impact upon his health. Judge John Coker said the quantity of drugs found was “staggering” and had an “insidious and terrible” impact upon society.

Peebles was sentenced two-and-a-half years jail.

He will serve eight months behind bars, before being released on October 12. to