Jack Hayward jailed for multiple counts of drug trafficking after Para Hills raid

A young Adelaide drug dealer has been sentenced after his sophisticated drug enterprise was exposed.

A young man who was dealing multiple types of drugs in his sophisticated enterprise was “naive” about the chances of being arrested, a court has heard.

Jack Toby Hayward, 22, was jailed for close to six years after he turned to drugs in his teenage years and started trafficking to support his own habit.

Hayward was arrested after police from the Northern District searched a Para Hills home on July 27, 2022, finding 1000 MDMA tablets, 370 LSD tabs, GHB or liquid fantasy, Xanax tablets, cocaine, cannabis, a pill press and nearly $9500.

The court heard the LSD and MDMA were valued at up to $45,000, depending on how they were sold.

Photos of the LSD tabs – released by SAPOL – show they are decorated with quirky characters, including Albert Einstein and Rick and Morty from the popular television series.

Jack Hayward was arrested after drugs, including LSD tabs, were uncovered in a raid at Para Hills. Picture: SA Police

The MDMA found during the raid. Picture: SA Police

A pill press was among the cache. Picture: SA Police

Hayward pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including large commercial drug trafficking and money laundering.

Hayward’s former partner, Tahlia Paige Videon was initially charged but had all charges withdrawn by prosecution in April, last year.

Jack Hayward was jailed for close to six years. Picture: Facebook

Tahlia Videon had all charges dropped against her last year. Picture NCA NewsWire/Emma Brasier

A prosecutor previously told the court Hayward was running a sophisticated and businesslike operation.

“He used encrypted applications, he had overseas contacts, he had local contacts, he had a verified network and additionally he was motivated by profit,” the prosecutor said.

The court heard Hayward dropped out of school and started using MDMA at 16 but hadn’t used drugs since his arrest.

Chief Judge Michael Evans told the court a psychologist said Hayward had been naive about being arrested for the offending but had now received a “significant reality check”.

He sentenced Hayward to five years and 11 months, with a non-parole period of two years and eight months.

“Illicit drugs have devastating effects on the community and the community must be protected,” Chief Judge Evans said.