Mark Zacharias: Plumber with nine bags of coke in undies sentenced
An apprentice tradie found with nine bags of coke in his undies has been issued a few stern words of advice with a magistrate reminding him “there is no such thing as easy money”. It comes as he was handed his punishment for dealing drugs.
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A young plumber and talented sportsman has learned the hard way there is “no such thing as easy money” after being sentenced for hiding nine bags of cocaine down his undies at Bondi.
Mark Zacharias, 18, from Leichhardt, fronted Waverley Local Court on Tuesday and was sentenced for supplying cocaine in June.
Police were patrolling the Bondi area on the evening of Saturday, June 27 when they watched Zacharias pick up another man on Ramsgate Ave in a Hyundai i30.
His passenger exited the car about 30 seconds later and began to walk off. Police became suspicious and stopped both men.
The passenger allegedly told police he bought one bag of coke from Zacharias for $250, court documents stated.
Police spoke to Zacharias – who had $250 between his legs – and questioned him about any further drugs.
“The accused told police he had nine bags of cocaine in his underwear,” the agreed facts stated.
The apprentice plumber removed the drugs and handed them to police. He was subjected to a strip search but no further drugs were found.
The total weight of the cocaine seized was 7.13g.
Police also found $800 in his possession and a mobile phone which constantly received messages.
Zacharias pleaded guilty to supply a prohibited drug and deal with proceeds of crime prior to his sentence on Tuesday.
Magistrate Jacqueline Trad convicted him on both charges, sentenced him to a community correction order for two years with supervision, and ordered he complete 80 hours of community service work.
“There is no such thing as easy money, there is always a cost. Nothing comes easy,” she said.
“You have done a bit of a job on your reputation and this will have an impact on your future.”
She said the offence was a planned activity and was for personal gain.
The court heard Zacharias was a talented sportsman during his time in high school and had no previous criminal history.