Unemployed weed dealer paid $1.8m to medicinal cannabis firm

Police allege 40-year-old Joseph Younes took part in the illegal supply of 1,400kg of cannabis across Sydney, while transferring large sums of cash to licensed medicinal cannabis wholesaler Ardezen.

Joseph Younes has been arrested and had his Kingsgrove property raided by police for operating in a major illegal cannabis supply ring. Picture: Thomas Lisson

An unemployed weed dealer allegedly transferred almost $2m in cash into the account of a licensed medicinal marijuana company, a court has heard.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal the alleged link between Melbourne-based cannabis wholesaler Ardezen and 40-year-old Joseph Younes, who was arrested last week on serious drug supply charges.

Police claim Younes was involved in supplying 1400kg of illegal cannabis and also dealt with the proceeds of crime over a 12-month period, which ended shortly before his Kingsgrove home was raided last week.

During the search warrant, officers allegedly uncovered large amounts of cannabis leaf inside Ardezen-branded packaging.

It is further alleged Younes, who is unemployed, had deposited cash in bank branches totalling $1.8m over a year, transferring funds directly into an Ardezen Pty Ltd account.

Ardezen has an active licence through the Victorian Health Department which allows the company to provide legal medicinal cannabis to authorised retailers, including pharmacists.

In a statement, Ardezen told The Daily Telegraph it was “aware of the current police investigation and can confirm that we are fully co-operating with all relevant authorities”. “We take these matters seriously,” it said.

“Ardezen operates under strict regulatory and ethical standards and maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any conduct that breaches legal or professional obligations.”

Joseph Younes, pictured during his arrest in Kingsgrove this month, has been charged over his role in supplying 1400kg of illegal cannabis. Picture: Thomas Lisson

Appearing at a bail hearing in Central Local Court on Wednesday, lawyers for Younes attempted to argue elements of the police fact sheet, while also claiming the 40-year-old required ongoing medical treatment for inflammatory arthritis, ADHD and drug and alcohol abuse.

His lawyer told the court his issues with substance abuse, which had existed “for a decade if not longer”, had caused his septum to be “so damaged that he is unable to speak properly and will require surgery.”

Police conducting a search warrant at Joseph Younes’ home last week in Kingsgrove. Picture: Thomas Lisson

Prosecutors alleged Younes was unemployed yet somehow managed to deposit $1.8m into the bank over 12 months, and police had CCTV from a branch allegedly showing him depositing cash.

The raid on Younes’ home was part of Strike Force Greentree, established last year to investigate the supply of cannabis across Sydney, largely through a website brazenly offering express, illegal deliveries.

Magistrate Hugh Donnelly denied Younes bail, with the matter to return to court on September 25.