Matthew Decairis: Bookkeeper in alleged large drug operation avoids jail over role

A man became entangled in an alleged large-scale and sophisticated drug syndicate operating out of southern and wider Sydney. Find out how he got caught up in the operation.

A drug addict became the “bookkeeper” for an alleged sophisticated and large-scale syndicate operating in St George and Sydney after threats were made against him when he could not repay his debts, a court has heard.

Hurstville’s Matthew Decairis avoided jail when he was sentenced for his role in the alleged organised criminal network during his Sutherland Court appearance on Thursday.

The 32-year-old married man’s role in the operation was described as “doing the books” and “counting the money” for those allegedly involved in supplying drugs throughout the region.

Agreed facts tendered to court said Strike Force Bouys officers started investigating the alleged activities of a large-scale cocaine supply network operating within the St George and greater metropolitan Sydney areas in December 2020.

According to court documents, investigations centred around the alleged principal, who has since been arrested and his matters remain before the court.

Hurstville man Matthew Decairis became the bookkeeper for a St George and Sydney drug syndicate when he got into debt. Picture: Ashleigh Tullis

Police identified several people allegedly involved in the syndicate, including Decairis, the documents allege.

On December 31, police allegedly received information that customers wanting to purchase cocaine from the network would contact a mobile phone number. They would place their order and their location for delivery.

Police allege the principal and another man controlled the mobile phone service.

Once the orders were placed, a group message would be allegedly sent to the “runners” via an encrypted messaging app called Signal, the documents said.

The police facts went on to say the closest runner would allegedly accept the job and deliver coke to the buyer, with sales costing between $250 and $350 per gram.

According to the documents, the money was kept by the runners until they needed to restock their supply, allegedly from the principal, in which case the money was exchanged for more cocaine from drug runners who may have excess amounts.

Police used telephone intercepts to monitor the alleged principal and other members’ phones, with the princiapl allegedly referencing Monday nights where they would be “doing the books” at his home.

Decairis was mentioned on two occasions as attending the alleged principal’s home to “do the books”, and he later admitted to counting the money received by runners and would maintain records.

Matthew Decairis was sentenced to an intensive correction order in Sutherland Court on Thursday. Picture: Ashleigh Tullis

One of the associates was arrested on June 1 before an examination of his phone revealed a “work chat” on Signal which included other alleged members of the syndicate and Decairis.

Police allege the chat showed the alleged principal was directing the day-to-day operations of the cocaine supply, the documents said.

It was not until September 24 that police raided Decairis’ home with a search warrant, where they found a small amount of cocaine inside a drawer.

Decairis was arrested and charged with participating in a criminal group and drug possession.

In court, Decairis’ lawyer noted his client did not have an active role in supplying drugs to customers like other members of the syndicate.

He noted his client was under some degree of “duress” because he was a consumer with a drug problem who became involved in the operation to repay his debts after threats were allegedly made against him.

The court heard Decairis had been abstinent from drugs for 12 months and was seeking treatment for mental health issues with a psychologist.

Decairis’ lawyer noted his client wanted to start a family with his wife, who was in court to support Decairis, and sending him to jail would “undo all the good work he has done”.

Magistrate Philip Stewart decided a custodial sentence was warranted given Decairis’ involvement in the network, but he could serve it in the community by way of an intensive corrections order for 12 months.

He took into account Decairis’ limited criminal history, remorse and employment but noted dial-a-dealer operations were a “prevalent offence in the community”.

Magistrate Stewart said the syndicate was “sophisticated and large enough” to need a “money counter”.

“People who participate in this type of activity need to wake up and take some responsibility … I’m going to give you the opportunity to walk out through the door you came in,” he said.

Decairis must continue his rehabilitation, counselling and be abstinent from drugs for 12 months.