Richard Schaaf: Comanchero bikie associate ran drug ring

The inner workings of a bikie associate’s western Sydney drug ring have been revealed. It comes as the 29-year-old admitted he got involved in an effort to “fit in” with his social crowd.

A man with Comanchero bikie links has told a court he orchestrated a large drug supply ring to “fit in” with a social crowd before narrowly avoiding jail.

Richard Schaaf, 29, admitted to supplying a prohibited drug and directing a criminal group as he faced up to 15 years behind bars at Parramatta District Court on Thursday.

The burly bikie associate was arrested in May 2019 after raids on his Sylvania home, a ‘safe house’ in Doonside and homes in Blacktown and Smithfield uncovered a stash of drugs and clothing, shoes and cologne purchased with the proceeds of drug sales. Schaaf was not charged with dealing with proceeds of crime.

Richard Schaaf has narrowly avoided full-time jail over his running of a drug supply ring. Picture: Supplied

Two other men, a 28-year-old Doonside man and a 22-year-old Blacktown man were also charged.

Schaaf served almost 10 months in custody on remand before being released on bail in March last year.

During sentencing, the court heard that detectives began investigating Schaaf and his associates’ drug activities as early as August 2018 through phone taps and physical surveillance.

Judge Craig Smith said the group operated out of a safe house in Doonside and used couriers and runners to deliver cocaine to customers after prearranged deals via two “drug phones”.

Schaaf played an “overarching role” in directing the drug supply, in conjunction with his cousin, Elijah Schaaf, and associate Adrian Antemli, who have both been jailed for their roles in the syndicate.

Richard Schaaf admitted to directing a drug supply ring across Sydney. Picture: Supplied

The father-of-two also acted as an “up-supplier” to his cousin’s supply arm while “agitating and monitoring” the operations of his group.

In January and February 2019, through listening devices, detectives recorded conversations with Schaaf involving the supply of 113 grams of cocaine and payments.

A subsequent raid on his home uncovered steroid vials, cannabis, mobile phones, a laptop and a “debt collections” notebook.

Richard Schaaf during his arrest at his Sylvania home. Picture: Supplied

In a letter addressed to the court, Schaaf described the “stupidity” of his actions and said his substance abuse issues drove him to take part in the group.

Schaaf also said his desire to “fit in with a social crowd and friends” further motivated his involvement.

He was placed on an Intensive Corrections Order for 26 months and ordered to undertake 250 hours of community service.

He was also banned from associating with any outlaw motorcycle gang members or associates.