Ryan Lupton: Long Beach dad turned to drug dealing to support family during financial hardship

A South Coast dad went full Walter White by turning to supplying drugs in a “misguided” bid to support his family in times of financial hardship – proving that those who break bad can’t escape the consequences.

Ryan Lupton leaving Batemans Bay Local Court. Picture: Tom McGann

A South Coast dad went full Walter White, turning to drug dealing in a “misguided” attempt to support his family during financial hardship – proving that those who break badcan’t escape the consequences.

Ryan Lupton, 32, faced Batemans Bay Local Court on Monday for sentencing, pleading guilty to knowingly taking part in the cultivation and supplying of cannabis.

The court heard the Long Beach man’s charges grew from a decision to turn to drug dealing in an attempt to ease financial stress and provide for his wife and young child during a cost of living crisis.

Lupton’s cannabis scheme first caught the attention of police after a postal mishap exposed the entire operation.

Court documents state Lupton visited Batemans Bay Post Office on April 7 this year, where he handed over a sealed package for posting that “smelled of cannabis”.

Ryan Lupton was sentenced in Batemans Bay Local Court. Picture: Tom McGann

After he left, the teller asked a colleague for a second opinion, with the staff member agreeing it reeked of pot.

The parcel was provided to police, who launched an investigation into Lupton, viewing post office CCTV footage to identify him.

Ryan Lupton was found growing 38 cannabis plants. Picture: Tom McGann

Days later, investigating officers viewed Lupton’s wife and child out the front of the same post office, before tailing the family back to their Long Beach home. Lupton’s family members are not accused of any wrongdoing.

Agreed facts state on April 23, officers executed a search warrant on Lupton’s home, uncovering the operation.

Officers found and searched a greenhouse in Lupton’s backyard, where they unearthed three separate growth rooms with 38 healthy plants, along with a notebook detailing their growth and care.

Inside the house, officers found and seized multiple cannabis-filled packages and resealable bags manufactured by a US company for shipping the goods.

Lupton was arrested, charged, and granted conditional bail.

In court, his lawyer Samantha Henry said her client turned to growing and supplying cannabis during a time of financial hardship.

“At the time, he was experiencing significant financial strain and this was a misguided attempt to alleviate that stress,” she said.

Ms Henry said Lupton wrote an apology letter to the court expressing “genuine remorse”.

She also noted his lack of criminal record and good prospects of rehabilitation.

“He has completely distanced himself from cannabis and he is highly regarded from what you can see in his references,” Ms Henry said.

However, Magistrate Doug Dick said drug supply was a serious crime.

“In your apology letter, you’ve thrown yourself at the mercy of the court, but this isn’t all about you, it’s about getting the message out,” he said.

“Supplying drugs is a serious matter.”

Lupton was convicted and handed a two-year community correction order.

He was also ordered to complete 300 hours of community service.

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