NewsBite

Whale Beach: IT guru Jad Seiffedine electronically monitored by police, guilty of drug supply

The young owner of an IT business has found himself in court for the sentencing of drug supply and possess charges with the magistrate issuing a stern final warning.

Jad Seifeddine, 29, of Whale Beach has been sentenced of a series of drug related and traffic related charges. Picture: Madelaine Wong
Jad Seifeddine, 29, of Whale Beach has been sentenced of a series of drug related and traffic related charges. Picture: Madelaine Wong

The self-made owner of an IT business has been caught dealing $7500 of cocaine at a Neutral Bay cafe.

Jad Seifeddine, 29, of Whale Beach faced Manly Local Court on Thursday for sentencing after pleading guilty to charges of supply prohibited drug, possess prohibited drug and deal with property proceeds of crime.

For a string of drug and driving charges he received a combined sentence of intensive corrections orders and community corrections orders by supervision of more than five years.

Court papers reveal he was being electronically monitored by police when he was contacted by a known drug buyer who ordered 28.4 grams of cocaine on October 16 2019.

Two days later investigators saw him attend Maisey’s Cafe where he met with a male inside and supplied the drugs for $7500.

Jad Seifeddine, 29, of Whale Beach (left) and his lawyer (right) outside Manly Local Court on April 9 2020. Picture: Madelaine Wong
Jad Seifeddine, 29, of Whale Beach (left) and his lawyer (right) outside Manly Local Court on April 9 2020. Picture: Madelaine Wong

It was almost a month later when police executed a search warrant at Seifeddine’s (former) address in Narrabeen where they found 78.89 grams of cannabis cookies, 71.19 grams of cannabis butter, 218 grams of cannabis leaf, 2.62 grams of cocaine and 0.34 grams of MDMA.

Seifeddine was arrested and taken to Manly Police Station where he participated in a recorded interview and made admissions to the drugs in his home, despite claiming not knowing what the drugs were.

When police asked him what he was doing at the cafe two days before he stated: “I met a friend of a friend. I don’t know if I was there.”

During court proceedings on Thursday, Seifeddine’s lawyer Mr Deldin (first name unknown) stated his client was using the drugs for “self medication”.

Jad Seifeddine, 29, of Whale Beach was being electronically and physically monitored by police in October over drug-related suspicions. Picture: Madelaine Wong
Jad Seifeddine, 29, of Whale Beach was being electronically and physically monitored by police in October over drug-related suspicions. Picture: Madelaine Wong

“The use of cannabis and cocaine for mental health issues is frowned upon but at the time that’s what he was engaged in,” Mr Deldin said.

But Magistrate Michelle Goodwins reminded him that his client had been profiting from drug supply.

“He sold the cocaine for $7500,” Magistrate Goodwin said.

The lawyer said it was the first offence of this type on his client’s record and that he was suffering from addiction issues and had been seeking treatment.

“He moved away from those negative social forces. There are reports which indicate he is remorseful,” his lawyer said.

However, the police prosecutor argued that evidence had suggested Seifeddine had not moved addresses from Narrabeen to Whale Beach because of the negative social influences, it was because he had suffered an injury and was seeking care from his family.

Jad Seifeddine, 29, of Whale Beach (left) leaves Manly Local Court on Thursday with his mother who showed in support (background). Picture: Madelaine Wong
Jad Seifeddine, 29, of Whale Beach (left) leaves Manly Local Court on Thursday with his mother who showed in support (background). Picture: Madelaine Wong

“He only left the address where the associates were and where the search warrant occurred after the brain injury. Your honour there are discrepancies in what has been submitted by the defence,” Sergeant Peacock said.

“The sale of drugs is quite high and the community should know this will not be tolerated. People have died from drugs at music festivals.

“There are people continuing to fuel drug supply and the accused has been dealing at a popular cafe on the northern beaches.”

In addition to drug related charges Seifeddine was also charged with drive motor vehicle during disqualification period and refuse to produce drivers licence on October 20 2019.

Magistrate Goodwin issued a stern warning to Seifeddine telling him it was his last chance.

“He’s realised he’s facing full time custody, that might have been why he’s had an epiphany,” Magistrate Goodwin said.

In addition to the community corrections orders with convictions Seifeddine was ordered to undertake a combined 300 hours of community service, he was disqualified from driving for a period of 12 months and fined $500.

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/manly-daily/whale-beach-it-guru-jad-seiffedine-electronically-monitored-by-police-guilty-of-drug-supply/news-story/673b9899f08392321c6ee03987841e58