Northern NSW drug dealer Jacob Harwood jailed over string of Lismore charges

A Northern Rivers drug dealer caught with a haul of cannabis told cops he was dealing “gold, silver and spices” – not drugs – after his roommate was subject to a raid targeted at finding guns.

Harwood told police he was dealing “gold, spices and silver” – not cannabis. PIcture: Istock

A Goonellabah drug dealer caught with a haul of cannabis told cops he was dealing “gold, silver and spices” – not drugs – after his roommate was subject to a police raid targeted at finding firearms.

Jacob Harwood faced Lismore Local Court on Monday. after pleading guilty to recklessly dealing with the proceeds of crime, supplying an illegal drug and three counts of possessing a prohibited drug.

Police raided Harwood’s home. Picture: File

Court documents state police raided the 25-year-old’s bedroom on November 4, last year during a firearms prohibition order compliance search on his roommate Jeremy Fresi.

Fresi will front Lismore Local Court on Wednesday after being charged with using a prohibited weapon contrary to a prohibition order, having a knife in public, driving while disqualified and possessing a prohibited drug.

During the raid, police found 799g of cannabis. Picture: NCA NewsWire

It is not known if Fresi’s charges relate to the police raid carried out.

Police found a shopping bag containing 799g of cannabis leaf in heat-sealed bags along with clear reusable bags, scales and glass jars.

Officers also located $1795 cash and a small amount of morphine tablets, buprenorphine and methamphetamine.

“It was clear to police the room was used for packaging and distributing prohibited drugs,” police state.

Police arrested Harwood. Picture: NCA NewsWire

Harwood told police the drugs were for “personal use” and he had purchased the cannabis in bulk because he recently received a pay out.

Police asked Harwood if the coded text messages on his phone were related to selling cannabis.

Harwood initially denied selling cannabis and said the texts referred to the sale of “gold and silver” before changing his story, telling police they related to the supply of a “spice”.

At court Harwood’s lawyer Damien Mahon said his client was “a young user-dealer who found himself in an anti-social household”.

The outside of Lismore Court House. Picture: Savannah Pocock

Mr Mahon said Harwood had been to jail before for separate offences and his situation was “incredibly sad.”

“He is screaming out for more intensive rehabilitation,” he said.

“There is hope, he has made progress and has attended alcoholics anonymous sessions.”

Magistrate Michael Dakin said Harwood was on a previous sentence which had expired a month before the fresh charges.

“He has an attitude of continuing disobedience,” he said.

“Supplying to associates is not a momentary drug possession, it’s a willingness to continue that behaviour.”

“There are hallmarks of reasonably well-organised criminal activity,”

Mr Dakin sentenced him to jail for one year with a six-month non-parole period.

Got a newstip? Email [e-mail]