Drug dealer sent to jail for 7 years

A DRUG dealer caught growing 308 marijuana plants in “grow houses” near Gatton has been jailed for seven years.

Bruce Douglas Parker, 39, pleaded guilty to 18 driving and drug charges relating to a range of illegal chemicals including meth, ecstasy, cocaine, LSD, 2C-B and marijuana.

Justice Alan Wilson said Parker had a criminal history dating back to 1993 and that rehabilitation was unlikely but “earnestly hoped for, of course”.

Parker was jailed for drug possession for two years in Rockhampton in 1994.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle in January, 2000, and was issued an intensive drug rehabilitation order in 2004.

In 2010, he entered a guilty plea to Ipswich Magistrates Court after being caught with meth, marijuana and $18,000 in cash.

Justice Wilson said Parker’s current sentence related to two residential properties used for a “well-organised hydroponic marijuana growing enterprise”.

A raid on a Blenheim house uncovered 188 healthy marijuana plants, along with more than half-a-kilogram of marijuana.

The second sting turned up another 120 plants growing under lights.

Parker has a history of trying to outrun police in high-speed chases and was caught driving almost three times the legal speed limit on two occasions.

Police found drugs in his possession each time.

“He is a mature man who has been a drug user for over 20 years and has a long criminal history,” Justice Wilson said.

“He has pleaded guilty, but not otherwise cooperated.”

Parker will be eligible for parole after serving one-third of his sentence.

Because he has already served 700 days in custody, he can apply on April 1 next year.

Parker is also being investigated under proceeds of crime legislation. – APN NEWSDESK