Stephen Paul Maddalena accused of importing ketamine drug
The tragic backstory of a Lakemba man accused of importing $170,000 worth of ketamine across the globe has been aired in court.
The Express
Don't miss out on the headlines from The Express. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The tragic backstory of a Lakemba man accused of importing $170,000 worth of ketamine across the globe has been aired in court as he made a bid for bail.
Stephen Paul Maddalena, 34, was arrested following the discovery by Australian Border Force officials of 1kg of ketamine, detected on a flight from the United Kingdom on March 8.
The package which contained the drug was labelled as ‘health supplements’, court documents state.
A police investigation led to Maddalena’s arrest outside a Spring Farm home on Rosecomb Ave last Wednesday, where he was later charged with import marketable quantity of border-controlled drug and drug supply.
Maddalena’s lawyer Ahmed Dib made an application for bail before Magistrate Ian Guy on Thursday, detailing the recent “tragic family circumstances” the Lakemba man had recently endured, including the sudden death of his two brothers.
“The family has discussed his current mental health situation and his ongoing drug use,” he said.
“(They) want to put him into a rehabilitation facility for his mental health.”
The police prosecutor opposed the release of Maddalena, telling the court it would put the community at risk.
“(From the charges), it can be inferred that there was an ongoing supply of the ketamine throughout the community, which is a risk to the community,” he said.
Mr Guy said while Maddalena had a “really, really limited” criminal record, the case against him was strong noting he had allegedly made “admissions” to police.
The 34-year-old was granted conditional bail, with conditions including a curfew, alcohol ban and $15,000 surety.
The matter will return before the Downing Centre Local Court on June 16.