Gawler barber shop owner Putu Gino Pacino sentenced for cocaine trafficking
He runs two barber shops and owns a clothing brand but it was his money making side hustle that got this 22 year old in trouble with the law.
Police & Courts
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A cocaine-dealing barber shop owner – who once called himself Adelaide’s “sexiest criminal” – has been warned to stick to his “legitimate businesses” after being sentenced.
On Wednesday, Putu Gino Pacino, 22, was told by Judge Anthony Allen that he “knew better” despite his age than to deal in drugs.
“Youth has long been accepted by the criminal courts as an important factor in sentencing … the importance of rehabilitation for a young offender has repeatedly been recognised and emphasised by both the Supreme Court and the High Court,” Judge Allen said.
“Having said this, there is no doubt it would have been obvious to you that your offending was completely unacceptable in all of the circumstances.
“Not withstanding your youth, you well knew what you were doing, particularly in light of your apparent ability to run a successful legitimate business.”
Pacino, then 19, pleaded guilty to one count of trafficking in a controlled drug.
He was arrested and charged after police searched his Gawler South home and located more than 20g of cocaine – ten times the trafficable amount – and $21,700 in cash inside a locked safe.
The cocaine was packaged in six “8-ball” quantities, which had a sale value of approximately $6400.
A small taser and ammunition round were also located inside the safe in the bedroom, but Pacino was not charged in relation to these items.
The court heard Pacino is the owner of two barber shops in the northern suburbs that currently employ eight people.
It is understood Mr Pacino, of Gawler South, purchased Gawler’s Lagers and Barbers from its previous owners.
The shop was rebranded to Dimentico Barber Lounge, which sells clothing by Dimentico Streetwear – a clothing brand also owned by Mr Pacino.
The brand expanded to a second site in Parafield in 2024.
It is not suggested the shops or its employees are connected with the offending.
During sentencing submissions, the court heard Pacino began dealing in cocaine on a “street level” to help fund his own addiction.
Judge Allen sentenced Pacino to three years, six month and 23 days’ jail with a non-parole period of two years.
His Honour suspended the sentence on an two-year, $500 good behaviour bond under which Pacino would be supervised by Corrections for 18 months and complete 80 hours of community service.
“Make the most of the opportunity the court has given you this morning to continue running your successful, legitimate business, and don’t get caught up in this sort of thing again,” Judge Allen said.
Outside court, Pacino told media Judge Allen was a “very good man” and he “always have been” running his legitimate businesses.
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