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Alleged drug ring smashed by police; family members of man charge break down in court

Lake Macquarie man and accused drug dealer Kynan Maffesoni made numerous transactions and sold numerous amounts of drugs over various dates, totalling various sums of money, a court has heard.

A man arrested during the raid by Strike Force Pallamana detectives in the Hunter Valley
A man arrested during the raid by Strike Force Pallamana detectives in the Hunter Valley

A Lake Macquarie man and accused drug dealer made many transactions and sold numerous amounts of drugs over various dates, totalling various sums of money a court has heard.

From November last year until this month, Kynan Mark Maffesoni, 24, is alleged to have been involved in a drug ring across the Hunter.

Police allege he sold 37 grams of MDMA and 35.5 grams of cocaine to his clients over a four month period.

A man arrested during a raid by Strike Force Pallamana detectives in the Hunter Valley. NSW Police.
A man arrested during a raid by Strike Force Pallamana detectives in the Hunter Valley. NSW Police.

Strike Force Pallamana detectives, along with Strike Force Raptor North officers, swooped on properties at Elermore Vale and Macquarie Hills on Thursday morning.

They allegedly seized 28 grams (an ounce) of MDMA, steroids, $15,000 in cash, mobile phones, documents and other items.

Maffesoni was charged with 32 offences including nine counts of supplying a prohibited drug (between indictable and commercial quantity), 20 counts of supplying a prohibited drug (between small and indictable quantity), two counts of supplying prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.

The 24-year-old fronted Newcastle Local Court on Friday as his lawyer Drew Hamilton argued for his client to be granted bail.

“He has a unique health situation, a mental health diagnosis of aspersers and has difficulties with his liver,” he said.

Strike Force Pallamana detectives raid a property in the Hunter Valley. NSW Police.
Strike Force Pallamana detectives raid a property in the Hunter Valley. NSW Police.

“Those vulnerabilities cause him problems especially in custody. Some people go 60 days before they see a medical practitioner.

“Also the delay in courts, two years in custody he could be awaiting a trial.

“He has no criminal history in violence, good family support, employed and studies at TAFE.”

Mr Hamilton said Maffesoni’s mother was willing to put forward $10,000 as surety and “watch him like a hawk” and suggested he would comply with stringent bail conditions.

But the court heard he was on bail while he allegedly committed some of the offences, Police prosecutor Ashley Cooper saying that was cause for concern.

“Why will he comply with bail this time,” he said.

“Drugs kill people in the public, he’s concerned about himself not people in the public.

Cash seized in a raid by Strike Force Pallamana detectives in the Hunter Valley
Cash seized in a raid by Strike Force Pallamana detectives in the Hunter Valley
An item seized in a raid by Strike Force Pallamana detectives in the Hunter Valley
An item seized in a raid by Strike Force Pallamana detectives in the Hunter Valley

“It’s a strong case, there’s surveillance, intercepts.”

Magistrate Robert Stone noted the police facts sheet was some 12 pages in length and detailed numerous alleged transaction with a number of people.

He also said there was some concern with a previous conviction.

“The strength of this case is very strong. They (police) indicate in fact sheet direct interaction of the accused and various people for the sale of drugs for profit and money, “ he said.

As Magistrate Stone read out “bail refused” family members in the courtroom broke down in disbelief.

Maffesoni’s matter was then adjourned until April.

The outside of the Newcastle Courthouse in Newcastle (AAP Image/Mark Russell)
The outside of the Newcastle Courthouse in Newcastle (AAP Image/Mark Russell)

Alex Michael Theris, 28, from Elermore Vale was the second man charged over alleged drug supply across the Hunter.

He’s facing two counts of supply a prohibited drug (between indictable and commercial quantity), three counts of supplying a prohibited drug (between small and indictable quantity) and supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis.

Police allege he was involved in the supply of 27.5g of cocaine between November and last month.

He matter has also been adjourned until April.

Investigations under Strike Force Pallamana are continuing.

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/thenewcastlenews/alleged-drug-ring-smashed-by-police-family-members-of-man-charge-break-down-in-court/news-story/b4617c9a69d043840b346d69dd0f3c60