Wade Simpson sentenced for multiple counts of drug trafficking after undercover police operation

A “trusted” ex-miner was busted in a police sting selling thousands of dollars of meth to an undercover cop after being introduced by a fellow dealer.

A man who sold thousands of dollars of meth to an undercover police officer wants to reform from his old life and be a good father.

Wade Simpson, 39, was on a downward spiral after his relationship ended and he started selling drugs to support his own habit.

The Adelaide District Court on Thursday heard Simpson was introduced to the undercover police officer by a fellow drug dealer in 2020.

Simpson attended a Riverland shopping centre on June 26, 2020 and sold 0.45g of methamphetamine to an undercover police officer for $250.

Simpson then sold 3.45g to the undercover police officer for $1500 the next day.

He also sold 3.26g of meth for $1400 on July 9, 2020 and 0.5g for $200 on August 5, 2020.

Simpson was then arrested.

“Police located a mobile phone containing text messages consistent with trafficking in methamphetamine,” Judge Adam Kimber said during sentencing.

Police found 6.7g of methamphetamine in his pocket, as well as tick lists, resealable bags, 1.3g of methamphetamine and $2300 in a search of his home.

The court heard Simpson started using methamphetamine after he finished school.

His usage decreased after he had a son with his partner in 2013.

“When your relationship with your ex-partner ended a couple of years later you went through a difficult time,” Judge Kimber said.

“You became depressed and your methamphetamine use increased.”

Simpson’s life quickly became a “downward spiral”, losing his job in the mining industry and using methamphetamine every day.

“You were selling to support that use,” Judge Kimber said.

Wade Simpson was sentenced in the Adelaide District Court for drug trafficking. Picture: Michael Marschall

Simpson, of Renmark, had previously pleaded guilty to multiple counts of drug trafficking.

The court heard Simpson had made positive rehabilitation steps and regained employment.

“Methamphetamine is a drug which causes enormous harm in our community,” Judge Kimber said.

“You were able to access and were prepared to sell significant amounts of methamphetamine.

“You were obviously trusted by whomever provided the drugs to you.”

Judge Kimber sentenced Simpson to two years and 11 months’ jail, with a non-parole period of two years and five months.

“You are strongly motivated to continue your reform and to be a good father,” he said.

Judge Kimber ordered the sentence to be served on home detention.