Grantham Farm ‘dial-a-dealer’ Tony Ghattas pleads guilty to supplying cocaine across Sydney
A western Sydney labourer who operated as a “dial-a-dealer”, supplying cocaine across the city, was brought undone when police discovered a hidden compartment in his car and uncovered a huge stash of cash and drugs.
Blacktown
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A western Sydney labourer arrested by specialist strike force police investigating a dial-a-dealer drug ring was busted selling cocaine out of his car from Balmain to North Sydney.
Tony Johnny Ghattas, 26, of Grantham Park, pleaded guilty at Blacktown Local Court on Thursday to ongoing drug supply, drug supply, participating in a criminal group, and recklessly dealing with criminal proceeds.
In January 2022, NSW Police established Strike Force Knowles to investigate a “dial-a-dealer” syndicate distributing cocaine throughout Sydney’s northwest, using taxi cabs and “runner” vehicles.
As a result of the investigation, police identified both Ghattas and another man, who is co-accused of drug supply, to be members of a group operating a street-level “runner” vehicle.
From July 2022, police began intercepting Ghattas’ phone calls, including a conversation between the labourer and his partner where Ghattas said he’d “reload” and “do another thirty”, referring to 30 bags of cocaine.
Police allege a total of 15g of cocaine was subsequently sold, agreed police facts reveal.
Over the next two months, Ghattas was twice recorded during alleged drug transactions which were operated out of his parked car. At one point, an unknown woman was recorded entering the car before asking for “just one”.
On September 9, Ghattas left his home in Grantham Farm and was observed by police travelling to a number of suburbs, including the eastern suburbs, the inner west, and North Sydney.
That evening, Ghattas was seen by police parked outside a property on Claremont St, Balmain.
Shortly after, police observed a man exit the car and run on foot once police activated warning lights.
Police subsequently searched Ghattas’ vehicle, locating $700 cash and a small resealable bag containing cocaine.
Police removed the driver’s side arm rest panel and located a hidden compartment containing a total of $5810.
Additionally, a further 46 small clear bags containing cocaine were located totalling 18.28g.
Ghattas told the Blacktown Local Court he had begun dealing to feed his own drug addiction.
In sentencing, Magistrate Brian van Zuylen said Ghattas was currently undergoing rehabilitation treatment.
“You have taken every step to rehabilitate yourself,” Mr van Zuylen said. “But, what a way to start your criminal record: drug supply on a large scale by local court standards.”
Ghattas was sentenced to a 12-month community corrections order and fined $3200.
His car was also forfeited.
Ghattas’ brother Jason Shaady Ghattas has also been charged with drug supply, but has not entered any pleas.
His matters are still before the courts.
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