Blue Haven: Benjamin Nichols, 33, pleads guilty to drug supply after Strike Force Peterborough sting

A man who “moved up the chain” from using drugs to supplying them has told a court he is looking forward to rehab and not using it as a “get out of jail free card”.

Benjamin Nichols, 33, of Blue Haven, has been granted bail after pleading guilty to possessing drugs, a weapon and ammunition as part of an investigation by Strike Force Peterborough. Picture: Facebook

A Blue Haven man nabbed as part of a three-month investigation into the supply of prohibited drugs on the Central Coast has been granted bail to attend rehab after pleading guilty.

In May 2024, Tuggerah Lakes Police established Strike Force Peterborough to investigate the ongoing supply of illegal drugs, and in particular meth, gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and cannabis.

At 07:45am on Wednesday, August 7, Tuggerah Lakes detectives along with general duties police and officers from the Northern Region Operation Utah and the dog unit swooped on Nichols’ home on Lady Kendall Drive.

“A systematic and thorough search of the location commenced with copious amounts of drugs and other items indicative of supplying a prohibited drugs were located along with weapons and ammunition belonging to the accused,” an agreed set of facts states.

Among the items seized included 12.82g of cannabis found in the top drawer of a bedroom along with 0.53g of “ice” on one bedside table and 0.47g of ice on another.

Police seized meth and GHB in the raid. (File picture)

Police also found 81.7g of GHB, a black expandable baton and four rounds of ammunition, which were located in a bag on the floor.

Officers asked Nichols if the items were his and he made full admissions.

Nichols pleaded guilty in Wyong Local Court.

Checks confirmed Nichols also never held a firearms licence.

He was taken to Wyong Police Station where he was charged with three counts of possessing prohibited drugs, one count each of possessing a weapon and ammunition, and one count of supplying illegal drugs.

Nichols confirmed his guilty pleas in court and his Legal Aid solicitor applied for bail so her client could begin residential drug rehabilitation at Bonnells Bay, in Lake Macquarie.

Magistrate Trevor Khan said “81g of GHB is quite a lot”.

“Mr Nichols has moved up the chain from a casual supply,” he said.

Mr Khan granted bail but warned it was Nichols’ “last shot” at turning his life around.

Appearing via video link Nichols thanked the magistrate.

“I’m looking forward to this change in my life and I’m not using it as a get out of jail free card,” he said.

He will be sentenced on August 13.