Liam James Jackson, 33, sentenced for trafficking dangerous drugs

An Outback Queensland drug trafficker was heard in phone taps saying he would be “chopping fingers” if his customers didn’t pay their debts. Here’s what happened to him in court.

Liam James Jackson, 33, appeared in the Rockhampton Supreme Court on October 21, 2022.

A Longreach drug trafficker, who was owed several thousands of dollars from customers, was recorded saying that he attempted to make a statement to show what happened if people didn’t pay him and that he would be “chopping fingers”.

Liam James Jackson, 33, pleaded guilty in the Rockhampton Supreme Court on October 21 to 20 charges including one count each of trafficking dangerous drugs and possessing a dangerous drug in excess of 500g.

Jackson also pleaded guilty to four counts of possessing dangerous drugs, three counts of possessing utensils or pipes that had been used, two counts of unlawful possession of weapons category A, B or M, and one count each of unlawful possession of category C weapon, possessing anything used in the commission of trafficking dangerous drugs, failure to appear in accordance with undertaking, authority required to possess explosives, drug driving, using or keeping protected plants, possessing or acquiring restricted items, possessing property suspected of having been acquired for the purposes of committing a drug offence and an evasion offence.

Crown prosecutor Bianca Volling said Jackson trafficked marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamine for four months between July 16 and November 18, 2020.

Ms Volling said Jackson supplied drugs on 50 occasions to 20 customers.

Justice Graeme Crow said Jackson operated his “street level trafficking enterprise” in the Longreach region and was captured in Operation Romeo Porcelain.

Justice Crow said on one occasion, Jackson offered to sell a small but unknown quantity of MDMA.

It is unknown how much money Jackson made from trafficking the dangerous drugs.

Justice Crow said Jackson was owed several thousands of dollars from customers.

“You were recorded saying that you attempted to make a statement to show what happens if people don’t pay,” he said.

“You were recorded saying, ‘I will give the gossiping c---s in this town something to talk about’.

“You were then quoted saying you would be ‘chopping fingers’.

“There is no evidence to prove that you directly threatened anyone.”

The court heard Jackson was arrested on November 17, 2020 and released on bail.

Police first searched Jackson’s home in Sandalwoods Estate, Longreach, on November 2, 2020.

Jackson told police he was in possession of drugs and police found multiple drugs, drug paraphernalia and weapons during the search.

Police seized 11.1g of marijuana, a small amount of meth, 0.769g of pure cocaine and about 23g of cutting agents.

Police also seized a butterfly knife, grinder, bong, nunchucks, laser pointer, extendable baton, glass pipes, scales, water pipes, cone pieces and a vape pen.

Jackson also told police he had been keeping a restricted plant.

He was also found in possession of a cryovac machine with clip seal bags.

Police also searched the adjoining address and found three large cryovac bags of marijuana weighing 1.125kg and a semiautomatic rifle in a large black carry case next to the marijuana.

The day before, on November 1, 2020, Jackson evaded police who had received information about a drug exchange that was occurring in the Longreach Town Common.

While on bail, Jackson was intercepted driving along Cramsie-Muttaburra Road, Longreach, on November 4, 2020 with marijuana and meth in his saliva.

Police searched Jackson’s home again on November 17, 2020 and seized his phone and found 0.6g of a substance containing meth, 25g of marijuana, as well as a grinder, set of scales, water pipe and a flip knife.

Defence barrister Scott Lynch said his client started using drugs at a “very young age” and was dependent at the time.

The court heard Jackson started using marijuana at 13 years old and progressed to meth at 17 years old and was a daily user.

“The trading that occurred was at the height of his addiction and reliance and was used to fund his addiction,” Mr Lynch said.

Mr Lynch said his client was undertaking rehabilitation at Lives Lived Well and had stopped using drugs.

“He has changed his outlook on life,” he said

“He feels much better for not using methamphetamine.”

Justice Crow sentenced Jackson to three years’ prison and set parole release for July 20, 2023.

Jackson was also disqualified from driving for two years.