Jed Thomas Conroy sentenced for part in cross-border cocaine syndicate

The man admitted to supplying the drugs allegedly to ex NRL star Michael Gordon as part of the cocaine syndicate.

Jed Thomas Conroy has been sentenced for his involvement in a cross-border drug syndicate. Picture Scott Powick Newscorp

A Casuarina man involved in a cross-border cocaine syndicate has avoided actual prison time on the balance after stating his life was now on the “straight and narrow.”

Jed Thomas Conroy, 22, was sentenced in Tweed Heads Local Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to four counts of supplying dangerous drugs, recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime, and participating in a criminal group contributing to criminal activity.

The third-year apprentice carpenter first came to police attention in May 2020 when police formed a strike team to investigate drug supply alleged to be run by Jack Stuart Jones, according to court documents.

The syndicate involved Instagram model Mikayla Noakes, who was sentenced in March to a 12 month intensive correction order with 100 hours community service and a $300, for charges of participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, two counts of supply prohibited drug and possess prohibited drug.

Surfer Tate Robinson is also alleged to be involved in the syndicate and faces 20 charges including participating in criminal group activity and supplying dangerous drugs on an ongoing basis.

The group allegedly supplied large amounts of cocaine between Northern New South Wales and Southern Gold Coast and police allege was run by Mr Jones who is facing almost 30 charges including directing a criminal group and supplying cocaine.

Mr Jones and Mr Robinson have not entered pleas and have matters still before the courts.

According to court documents, a mobile phone number was used by Conroy where he pretended to be Mr Jones.

On October 31 at 6.20 pm police intercepted texts between Conroy and allegedly ex-NRL star Michael Gordon where Conroy agreed and confirmed he sold 1g of cocaine to Mr Gordon.

The same day at 9.50pm Conroy sold another 1g of cocaine allegedly to Mr Gordon according to court documents.

The former Gold Coast Titans player Mr Gordon faces two counts of possessing a prohibited drug and two counts of taking part in supplying a prohibited drug which he previously indicated he would be contesting.

Police intercepted a phone call on the same day between Conroy and Mr Jones where Conroy confirmed he sold “five” (referring to 5g of cocaine) and said he had “another 10” left to sell.

On November 20 2020 police searched Conroy’s address where he was not present, but his parents were.

Police located a safe in Conroy’s bedroom which contained 15.07g of cocaine and $5250 in cash, which were both seized.

According to court documents police also located 6.69g of cocaine in a book on Conroy’s bookshelf, three mobile phones in his room, and a further five in the spare bedroom.

Conroy was located and arrested.

The court documents state Conroy participated in an interview and made full admissions and said no other person had access to the safe.

He said it was for the purpose of supplying and the money was a result of the supply, he said the phone number did not belong to him and it was for supplying the drugs and admitted to the supplies on October 31 and a further supply of 4g.

Defence lawyer David Cole said since this offending Conroy had been on the “straight and narrow” and has stopped associating with this group of people.

Mr Cole said Conroy now had a good social network and his workplace would continue to keep him employed.

He asked the court to consider Conroy’s lack of criminal offending and the positive steps he had taken towards rehabilitation.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Chris Martin told the court Conroy’s sentence needed to reflect the importance of deterring others from supplying cocaine.

“There is the very real importance of noting the impact of cocaine in this community,” Sgt Martin said.

Magistrate Geoff Dunlevy said Conroy’s offending, although was small amounts, had a cumulative effect on the community.

“Cocaine is addictive and medically dangerous,” Mr Dunlevy said.

“The production involves an enormousness amount of human suffering.”

Mr Dunlevy said he accepted Conroy’s remorse and good prospects of rehabilitation.

He said Conroy would avoid being sent directly to prison and sentenced him to a 30-month intensive corrections order with 200 hours of community service.