Noosa drug ring: Sam Luke Harvey sentenced in court for deal at Montezuma’s

One offender in a list of alleged dealers being investigated by police has been sentenced after using social media to sell drugs to an undercover cop at a Mexican restaurant.

One of the offenders in a Noosa drug ring netted as part of a 12-month investigation has been slapped with a fine for selling drugs to an undercover police officer.

The police operation was launched in August 2020 in relation to the supply and trafficking of cocaine and MDMA, with 25 people charged since.

Sam Luke Harvey, 24, previously pleaded guilty in Noosa Magistrates Court to supplying dangerous drugs and possessing a mobile phone used in the commission of a crime.

On Tuesday the court heard Harvey, who lives in Cooroibah, met the law enforcement participant at the Little Sister cocktail bar at Noosa Junction at the end of 2020.

Supplied Editorial SCN021121NOOSACOURT 2

Harvey gave the undercover operative his Instagram details and continued to communicate with them over social media and in person for a period of five months.

On January 31, 2021, following a series of Instagram arrangements, the pair met at Montezuma's Mexican restaurant at Noosa Heads.

Harvey used a handshake to hand over a small bag containing white powder to the operative who then paid him $300 under the table.

Police prosecutor Nick Nitschke said the total weight of the drugs was 1.1g and preliminary testing confirmed it to be cocaine.

Sam Luke Harvey leaves Noosa Magistrates Court.

Harvey’s solicitor Chelsea Emery said her client was homeless at the time and had only just got a job stacking shelves after being unemployed for six years.

Harvey is among a long list of defendants who were charged as part of the drug operation, including high-profile identities like professional boxer Israel Kani.

Mr Kani previously pleaded not guilty to one count of supplying dangerous drugs back in November, 2021, but is yet to enter a plea for his trafficking charge.

Supplied Editorial SCN021121NOOSACOURT 3

Harvey’s prior drug history was pointed out by Magistrate Hadyn Stjernqvist who said the 24-year-old’s offending was escalating.

“Stupidity has no bounds … I hope you have an epiphany after this,” Mr Stjernqvist said.

He was fined $1000 and convictions were not recorded.