Adelaide chef Ibrahim Abbas granted home detention bail over alleged role in large-scale cannabis trafficking syndicate
A chef with 42 years’ experience in the industry has won his freedom – but will be housebound – over allegations he was part of cannabis trafficking scheme.
Police & Courts
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A veteran Adelaide chef who allegedly grew and packaged $140,000 worth of cannabis as part of a larger drug-trafficking syndicate has been granted home-detention bail.
On Wednesday, the Adelaide Magistrates Court released Ibrahim Abbas on $500 bail, ordering he not leave his Flagstaff Hill home and be electronically monitored at all times.
Mr Abbas, 64, has yet to plead to charges of trafficking a large commercial quantity of a controlled drug.
He is jointly charged with Darren Stephen Brown, 47, of Queensland, and Adam Turner, 41, of Victoria, after a joint operation by SA and Queensland Police.
Previously, prosecutors alleged the trio were part of a larger syndicate involved in the growing, packaging and transportation of cannabis.
Mr Brown and Mr Turner were, they alleged, caught in possession of 20kg of cannabis worth between $2400 and $3200 if separated and sold as 450gm bags.
Mr Abbas, they alleged, was caught with eight cannabis plants being grown hydroponically, industrial-grade heat-sealing machines and $12,500 cash.
He denied the allegations, insisting he was a professional chef with a 42-year career, a wife, a $28,000 mortgage and a knee requiring surgical reconstruction.
On Wednesday, SA Police prosecutors told Magistrate Simon Smart a home-detention report had found Mr Abbas and his residence suitable for monitored release.
Mr Smart granted bail, telling Mr Abbas – who appeared by video link – he would not be released from prison until an electronic monitoring device had been fitted to his body.
He also warned him any breach of his home detention conditions would “see you back where you are right now”.
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