Ocean Grove man Josh West-Astuti, 20, convicted of drug trafficking
A disability worker’s UK plan have been dealt a major blow after 111g of cocaine and large quantities of ketamine and MDMA were found stashed in his bedroom.
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A disability worker’s UK travel plans have been dealt a major blow after 111g of cocaine and large quantities of ketamine and MDMA were found stashed in his bedroom.
Josh West-Astuti, 20, was convicted of drug trafficking in the Geelong Magistrates Court on Wednesday, with the court hearing of a “spectacular entry” into the criminal justice system.
He had no prior convictions before his arrest.
The court heard police attended his Northcote Rd home in Ocean Grove on February 4, acting on a search warrant for a firearm prohibition order, before locating the sizeable amount of drugs.
Among them were three separate zip lock bags containing 60g, 29g and 22g of cocaine respectively.
More than 30g of ketamine and MDMA combined was also seized.
He was arrested at the same address on February 9.
The court heard West-Astuti, who was a trained and certified disability support worker before the bust, had plans to relocate to England following the court proceedings.
He pleaded guilty to the possession and trafficking charges, with his defence telling the court the loss of his job and future career prospects in that profession had been severely impacted.
A criminal record could also stop his prospects of travelling abroad, the court heard.
“If convicted …. the UK will not be welcoming him with open arms,” Magistrate Franz Holzer said.
He said he was “puzzled” as to why West-Astuti had been drawn into this type of behaviour, saying they were incredibly serious charges for a man of no prior criminal activity.
“You’re lucky not to be going to jail, frankly,” he said.
“This kind of behaviour of trafficking drugs is unacceptable on every level.
“It is done for one thing. Money. Motivated by greed.”
He was convicted and placed on a 15 month community corrections order involving 150 hours of unpaid community work.
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Originally published as Ocean Grove man Josh West-Astuti, 20, convicted of drug trafficking
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