Adelaide chef Ibrahim Abbas facing court over $140,000 weed syndicate wants different charge

This veteran chef wants a “different” charge and a sentencing “benefit” over his alleged role in a drug syndicate, a court has heard.

A veteran chef who allegedly grew and packed $140,000 worth of cannabis in a drug syndicate has told a court he is prepared to plead guilty – but only to “a different offence” and in exchange for a sentencing “benefit”.

Ibrahim Abbas faced the Adelaide Magistrates Court in person for the first time on Tuesday, following his release on bail in November.

SA Police allege he, Darren Stephen Brown and Adam Turner formed a cannabis trafficking syndicate that spanned from Adelaide to Brisbane.

Ibrahim Abbas outside the Adelaide Magistrates Court. Picture: NCA NewsWire

However Stephen White, for Mr Abbas, said the case had progressed significantly since his client’s arrest.

“Back on January 13, we made a detailed submission to prosecutors indicating my client’s intention to enter a plea to a different offence,” he said.

“That is being considered by prosecutors who are, we understand, waiting on some further telephone intercept and surveillance material.

“We are hoping that, in the short term, we will be able to resolve this matter – and the prosecution have indicated they will preserve the maximum (sentencing) benefit if a plea is entered within four weeks.”

Mr Abbas, 64, of Flagstaff Hill, Mr Brown, 47, of Queensland and Mr Turner, 41, of Victoria, were arrested following a joint operation by SA and Queensland Police.

It is alleged Mr Brown and Mr Turner were caught in possession of 20kg of cannabis worth between $2400 and $3200 if separated and sold as 450gm bags.

It is further alleged Mr Abbas was caught with eight cannabis plants being grown hydroponically, industrial-grade heat-sealing machines and $12,500 cash.

Mr Abbas – a professional chef with a 42-year career, a wife, a $28,000 mortgage and a knee requiring surgical reconstruction – was the only one of the trio to be released on bail.

Mr Abbas has indicated he wishes to negotiate a plea with prosecutors. Picture: NCA NewsWire

On Tuesday, prosecutors confirmed they had received Mr Abbas’ proposal and laid a fresh charge against him.

They did not tell the court what that charge was, saying their file had yet to be lodged with the registry.

They asked the matter be adjourned for that to be finalised and for the collation of the telephone and surveillance evidence.

The state’s chief magistrate, Judge Mary-Louise Hribal, remanded Mr Abbas on continuing bail to face court again next month.

Mr Abbas left court in the company of a number of supporters and did not comment about his case.