Alex Theris, Kynan Maffesoni: Men sentenced for selling cocaine, ecstasy as part of Newcastle drug ring

One man asked customers if they wanted a “white Christmas” and told others to “get in while stocks last” as he encouraged them to order their party drugs.

Two men busted by a police strike force investigating a major drug ring operating across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie have avoided time behind bars.

Alex Michael Theris, 29, and Kynan Mark Maffesoni, 25, were part of the same syndicate selling cocaine and ecstasy before it was broken up by Strike Force Pallamana, with the help of bikie cops Strike Force Raptor, early last year.

Alex Theris. Picture: Facebook.

Kynan Maffesoni being charged by Strike Force Pallaman. Picture: NSW Police.

The District Court at Newcastle heard Theris and Maffesoni weren’t known to each other and acted separately, albeit as part of the same operation, as they sold drugs across the region.

Theris had pleaded guilty to the ongoing supply of cocaine between November 23 and December 4, 2019.

The court heard he sold 27.5 grams of the drug for $5,500 in five transactions over that time frame.

His car and phone had been tapped by police as part of their investigation.

Alex Theris. Picture: Facebook.

Maffesoni pleaded guilty to two counts of ongoing supply.

The court heard he sold 28.5 grams of ecstasy and 15.5 grams of cocaine in 15 transactions between 27 November and 27 December, 2019, then 8.5 grams of ecstasy and 18 grams of cocaine in 11 transactions between 28 December, 2019 and 26 January, 2020.

He collected $11,000 for his work.

Court documents revealed Maffesoni, from Macquarie Hills, often sold drugs from car parks at Wests Cardiff and Cardiff RSL, sending his customers messages such as “get in while stocks last” and “restocked, anyone need to put an order in for tonight?”

In December he messaged: “If anyone wants a white Christmas let me know ASAP, restocked but nearly all gone again.”

The men were charged by Strike Force Pallamana. Picture: NSW Police.

During sentencing in the District Court on Thursday, Judge Roy Ellis heard Maffesoni was on bail for a malicious damage charge while supplying drugs.

A psychologist’s report said he had a troubled upbringing and “demonstrated regret and disappointment in himself”.

Judge Ellis took into account additional charges of drug supply and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime, as he sentenced Maffesoni to an intensive corrections order for a period of two years and three months.

He’ll have to undergo drug counselling and abstain from drugs for that period.

He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of community service.

Cash was seized as part of the operation. Picture: NSW Police.

The court heard Theris had a “pretty good” criminal history apart from a 2012 drug supply conviction.

A psychologist’s report said the former used car salesman from Elermore Vale was experiencing anxiety at the time of his offending.

Judge Ellis sentenced Theris to an intensive corrections order for one year and 10 months, and 100 hours of community service.

He’ll have to abide by the same conditions as Maffesoni.