James Mina seeks rehab after Sylvania Waters drug bust
A wealthy party boy charged with dealing drugs at his parents’ luxurious Sydney waterfront mansion is seeking admission to a rehabilitation program for substance abuse.
St George Shire Standard
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A wealthy party boy accused of dealing an array of party drugs at his parents’ luxurious waterfront mansion is now seeking rehabilitation for substance abuse, a court heard today.
Police allege party promoter James Mina, 23, was selling cocaine and MDMA at his parents’ swanky Sylvania Waters home before a dramatic police raid allegedly uncovered $2300 cash, anabolic steroids and a prohibited weapon.
Mina was subsequently charged with prohibited drug supply, dealing with the proceeds of crime, prohibited drug possession and possessing a prohibited weapon.
His matter was adjourned at Sutherland Local Court until July 28 so Mina can seek admission to MERIT, a local court program which would allow him to access rehabilitation for substance abuse.
Mina spent six days behind bars when he was arrested on February 14 before he was granted bail by Magistrate Les Mabbutt at Sutherland Local Court.
His parents, sister and a family friend collectively put a $1.2 million investment property and $15,000 cash on the line in exchange for his release on bail.
At the time a solicitor told the court Mina’s alleged offences involved only small amounts of drugs and a custodial sentence was not an absolute certainty.
“What is suggested, if it results in a plea of guilty, is street-level supplying,” Mina’s solicitor stated.
“It’s at the lower end of objective seriousness, they are small quantities.”
Mina’s time in a prison cell represented a significant change of scenery for the budding event promoter, who only weeks ago was celebrating his birthday with a lavish party on a Sydney Harbour cruise boat with dozens of attendees.
The court heard Mina is employed full time as a trainer at Fitness First but he also moonlights as a party promoter with his own company – MisdeMina.