James Francis Donaghy jailed for stashing 11g of meth in underwear

A drug dealer was jailed after police found his $12k meth stash in his briefs during a share house raid.  

A drug dealer caught with large amounts of methamphetamine in his underwear during a raid needs to reconsider his lifestyle, a court has heard.

James Francis Donaghy’s creative attempts to hide evidence were unsuccessful after police visited the share house under suspicion.

The Adelaide District Court heard police attended an Osborne address on January 8, 2021 following information the occupants were trafficking drugs.

They found three resealable bags of methamphetamine hidden in Donaghy’s underwear, totalling 11.84g and $4050 in his top pocket.

The methamphetamine was valued between $3500 and up to $12,000 if sold in points.

Police also found hydroponic light globes and shades, as well as an embosser card maker, 13 identification cards and 13 blank cards.

Donaghy, 38, of Largs Bay, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including drug trafficking and possessing prohibited material.

James Donaghy was jailed for stashing 11g of meth in underwear. Photo: File

The court heard Donaghy admitted to dealing drugs for four to five months before being arrested.

“Whilst it is clear that you were addicted to drugs, you were at least in part motivated by profit and you have not taken any active steps towards rehabilitation,” Judge Julie McIntyre said during sentencing.

The court previously heard the cash came legitimately to Donaghy when his mother died in November 2020.

Donaghy’s mother also left him her house.

"It is said that this represents a good opportunity for you to get out of your previous lifestyle and to make something of yourself,” Judge McIntyre said.

“I hope that this is so because you really do need to reconsider your lifestyle.”

The court heard prior to Donaghy’s arrest, he was smoking methamphetamine everyday.

Judge McIntyre sentenced Donaghy to four years jail, with a non-parole period of two years and one month.

“Methamphetamine is an insidious and dangerous drug,” she said.

“It does harm to those who use it and to the community. It is the cause of much criminal offending and social disruption.”