Ahmed Kassouh: Batemans Bay drug supplier to be sentenced

A south coast man has admitted to supplying drugs after a police search of his home uncovered illicit drugs, gun ammunition and a stolen phone.

Ahmed Kassouh pleaded guilty to supplying drugs and possessing stolen items. Picture: Facebook.

A south coast drug supplier is set to be sentenced after a police search of his home uncovered drugs, gun ammunition and a stolen phone.

The illegal discoveries saw Ahmed Kassouh, 55, appear in Batemans Bay Local Court on Thursday via video link from custody, facing charges of goods in custody suspected of being stolen, possess prohibited drug, supply prohibited drug and possess ammunition without permit.

Documents tendered to the court reveal South Coast Police District Officers obtained a search warrant on January 26 this year for Kassouh’s property following suspicions he was supplying drugs.

Officer’s executed the search warrant the same day in two locations – searching Kassouh’s person on Orient St, Batemans Bay and his property on High St Batemans Bay.

Kassouh will return to Batemans Bay Local Court in August.

Police met Kassouh at Orient St following suspicions he was meeting someone to supply drugs – suspicions which were confirmed after investigating his mobile phone during the search.

Agreed facts state Kassouh was on his way to the Bay View Hotel to supply drugs when police began the search.

Meanwhile, officers began searching his High St home and found a live 50 calibre firearm round in a draw and a white powder substance.

Later analysis revealed the white powder to be 0.79g of cocaine.

Officers also discovered a brand new Samsung smartphone on a bed. When questioned, Kassouh claimed the phone was a gift from a friend.

However, the 55-year-old failed to input the correct pin, nor could remember the friend’s name.

As a result, officer’s believed the device to be stolen.

Agreed facts state Kassouh was arrested due to the discoveries, refused bail and charged.

Kassouh appeared in the Batemans Bay Local Court on Monday via video link from the South Coast Correctional Centre, where his lawyer Adam Sumbak asked the court for an adjournment to complete a psychiatric report before sentencing.

He said the report would also be important as Kassouh was also facing unrelated District Court matters, which would likely end in full time custody following his sentencing on September 20.

Magistrate Doug Dick did not oppose the suggestion, noting it was important given the items located.

Kassouh will return to Batemans Bay Local Court on August 12 for sentencing.

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