Chifley College high school teacher Hagen Rieck caught with cocaine in Darlinghurst pub

A “well-respected” high school teacher was caught by a drug detection dog with cocaine at a popular Darlinghurst venue. Here’s what happened.

Rieck was found guilty but was not convicted at the JMT building.

A “well-respected” western Sydney teacher was caught by a drug detection dog partying with cocaine at a Sydney pub.

Hagen Rieck, a teacher at Chifley College Bidwill Campus, faced Downing Centre Local Court – which is currently sitting at the JMT building – on Monday for sentence after he pleaded guilty to possessing a prohibited drug.

Magistrate Megan Greenwood found the 27-year-old guilty but did not record a conviction.

Police facts state a drug detection dog and undercover cops showed up at the Colombian Hotel, Darlinghurst on June 14.

A dog approached Rieck sitting in the upstairs area of the venue and indicated he had drugs on him, prompting the officers to identify themselves and question him.

Chifley College Bidwill Campus teacher was caught by a drug detection dog.

Rieck told police he had a bag of cocaine in his wallet, located in the back pocket of his jeans. Police searched him and located 0.69g of cocaine.

He was arrested and charged at Surry Hills Police Station.

The Colombian Hotel on Sydney's is on Oxford St.

Officers state this was the high school teacher’s first charge and he was extremely respectful and compliant with police directions.

A few days prior, officers were granted permission to allow drug detection dogs into several licensed premises in the area.

During his sentence, Rieck’s lawyer Samuel Debney said his client was a “well-respected” teacher at Chifley College.

“He has cared for disadvantaged children at Chiefly and has been dealing with past trauma,” he said.

Rieck was charged at Surry Hills Police Station. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

Mr Debney said Rieck had been in an emotional state because his birthday was the next day, which marked the second birthday he had without his mother who died two years ago.

Mr Debney added Rieck did not handle his poor mental health correctly and viewed this incident as a “silver lining” to getting proper help.

The court heard he was seeing a psychologist and had no prior criminal history.

Ms Greenwood said she did not believe Rieck was struggling with his mental health at the time.

“Sorry I don’t buy any of that, it doesn’t add up. He was partying at a Surry Hills hotel with cocaine. He has had a lot of privilege in his background and there is no excuse at all,” she said.

“Police aren’t helping women who have been bashed by their partners when they are using their resources on these types of crimes.”

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