Benjamin Beraru: Tara computer technician pleads guilty to possessing, producing drugs, possessing utensils

After police discovered a 47-year-old Tara man’s secret grow operation at his camp site, he tried to tell them they were actually tomato plants.

A Tara man tried to pass off his marijuana plants he had been growing as tomato crops when they were discovered police, a Dalby Court has heard.

Benjamin Beraru’s small grow operation was uncovered by Tara police after they visited a Western Road address on August 9.

Dalby Magistrates Court heard a customised metal barrel at Beraru’s camp site had two marijuana plants inside, as well as a bong next to it.

Police prosecutor Derek Brady said the 47-year-old former computer technician tried to tell police they were actually tomato plants, but tests by police confirmed they were drugs.

Sergeant Brady said Beraru had another run in with police a day earlier at a Tara camp site, where they found a small amount of marijuana and a bong in his possession.

Defence solicitor Jessica Hine said the now unemployed father of six had used drugs to medicate himself following a car accident several years ago.

Magistrate Kerrie O’Callaghan hoped the arrest was a “wake up” call for him, as he was a Blue Card holder and had strong ties to the community.

Beraru pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing utensils, producing drugs, and possessing marijuana, and was fined $750.

No conviction was recorded.