Abbas Hijazi jailed for role in supplying ‘Dior’ drugs in syndicate

A drug-addicted father who was on call to provide “security” when large drug deals would be carried out has been sentenced.

Abbas Hijazi was arrested in April 2021 and was sentenced in Downing Centre District Court on Friday. Picture: NSW Police

A drug-addicted father who was on call to provide “security” when large drug deals would be carried out has been jailed.

Abbas Hijazi, 34, was sentenced to five years in prison with a non parole period of three years and two months in Downing Centre District Court on Friday.

Co-offender and syndicate principal Jake Davies was sentenced last week to imprisonment of six years, nine months, backdated to his arrest, with a non-parole period of four years after he pleaded guilty to three charges of large commercial drug supply.

Agreed facts said Hijazi was charged with two counts of knowingly taking part in the supply of a large commercial quantity and large commercial quantity of drugs between November 6, 2020 and April 28, 2021 related to 1.3kg of MDMA, 841g of meth and 639g of cocaine.

The court heard over five months, the Penshurst man knew about 12 transactions of meth and MDMA and another seven occasions of cocaine to undercover operatives at Bulli, Sandon Point and Rose Bay.

Dior stamped cocaine was seized during sweeping raids.

The court heard the syndicate supplied drugs to the operative, who would discuss with Davies the quantity, quality and price of drugs.

Davies would establish an encrypted messaging group on Ciphr involving himself, the operative, Hijazi and a runner who then go on to exchange the drugs for money.

Six men were arrested. Picture: NSW Police

Davies used the code name Dior while Hijazi used Military Mind and when arrested on April 28, the blocks of cocaine had a Dior logo imprinted on them.

Judge Pauline David said Hijazi had knowledge of each transaction and would make himself available for five months to provide “safety” for the syndicate.

She said there was no evidence Hijazi was involved in the arrangement of the drug transaction; nor did he give directions to other members; adding he was not the syndicate’s “principal”; owner of the drugs; contributed financially to the venture or shared in the profits.

Judge David noted Hijazi discussed stock levels with Davies and needed to “shut down” the supply chain and act with urgency to not lose contacts.

“There was a trusted working relationship between Davies and Hijazi,” she said. “Overall Hijazi was privy to the details of each ultimate supply.

Cash and drugs were seized. Picture: NSW Police

“Hijazi did have access to higher ups in the chain … he had an overview of what was going on but he was not called on to enforce any safety.”

Judge David said Davies was the person in charge of the physical supply centre; communicated with couriers and made the arrangements to source the drugs, adding Hijazi “sits below” Davies in the syndicate’s hierarchy.

The court heard Hijazi was using drugs at the time and his primary motivation for being involved was to repay his drug debts by providing security.

The court heard Hijazi had a lengthy criminal record, had previously been imprisoned but was now at a “crossroads”.

The group sold meth, MDMA and cocaine. Picture: NSW Police

Judge David said Hijazi had good prospects of rehabilitation, accepted he was remorseful, regretted his actions and had a genuine desire to reconnect with his daughter and leave his anti-social life.

The court heard Hijazi had a promising sporting career before he was injured which had led him down an path of using drugs but he still had the support of his family who could offer employment upon release.

Judge David said Hijazi had a very difficult time in custody due to Covid and particularly because of his brother’s outlaw motorcycle gang affiliations which resulted in him being targeted, stabbed and put into segregation.

Judge David also said Hijazi also appeared motivated to address his drug use and mental health.

Hijazi’s sentence was backdated to his arrest and he will be eligible for parole on June 27 next year while Davies can apply for release on April 27, 2025.