Zachary Bartlett pleads guilty to supplying, possessing drugs

A 42-year-old Caloundra man who traded his car for what he thought was half a kilogram of ice found out he had been ‘duped’ by his supplier after he was arrested.

A 42-year-old Caloundra dad has had his drug deal fail retold in court after he unknowingly bought half a kilo of fake meth.

Zachary Bartlett had organised to trade his car for the large amount of ice when he was “duped”, Maroochydore District Court heard.

Crown prosecutor Erin Kelly said the 42-year-old had actually been sold a cutting agent called MSM used to dilute drugs.

Ms Kelly said Bartlett was liable as a party to the supply of the fake drugs on September 4, 2019 in Caloundra West.

The court heard some months later on May 18, 2020 Bartlett was found in possession of nearly 3g of pure GHB in Caloundra, which he said was for personal use.

Defence barrister Nathan Turner told the court the 42-year-old and his partner at the time were “heavy drug addicts” leading up to the botched deal.

Mr Turner said they had been using up to “half an eight ball” of ice a week.

The court heard the messaging between Bartlett and his supplier stated Bartlett would deal some of the drugs.

Mr Bartlett had also intended to set himself up in a rental home and buy new tools according to Mr Turner.

The court was told by Mr Turner the father-of-four had made considerable steps to rehabilitate himself since his arrest and would be seeking work again as a tradie.

Bartlett pleaded guilty to supplying and possessing drugs and was sentenced to three years’ jail but was given immediate parole.