Kerry Wayne Keillor: Brocklesby secret code deciphered in cannabis bust

When this Brocklesby drug crook offered to “put the kettle” on, it wasn’t for a cup of Lipton’s.

A Brocklesby man has pleaded guilty to 16 drug supply charges.

A secret phone code has been cracked by police who used it to bust an alleged Brocklesby drug dealer, who allegedly told customers he would “put the kettle on” when he had a supply of cannabis.

Police allegedly intercepted phone calls between Kerry Wayne Keillor, 68, and his co-accused where they would communicate about the supply of cannabis using codewords such as sandwiches, spanners, tools, Boston buns, and CDs, as well as the sale of chickens and eggs.

Keillor appeared before Albury Local Court on Tuesday, and pleaded guilty to knowingly directing the activities of a criminal group, possessing an unauthorised and unregistered firearm, not keeping a firearm safely, possessing a prohibited drug, and 16 drug supply charges.

Between June 26 and November 19, 2020, Keillor is accused of supplying a total of more than 2.2kg of cannabis to a number of customers.

Court documents reveal Murray River police detectives began investigating the supply of cannabis in the Albury region through Strike Force Billarga.

Police intercepted a mobile number owned and used by Keillor to buy large quantities of cannabis from hydroponic cannabis growers, and distribute it in the Albury area.

Police deciphered the code used by Keillor and his co-accuseds, telling customers he was “home and would put the kettle on” when he had cannabis in supply, or “the coffee/biscuit tin was empty” when he was out of supply.

On November 18, 2020, police attended Keillor’s Brocklesby address and informed him they were acting on information that he had an unauthorised firearm on his property.

Keillor allegedly informed police that it was a 0.22 calibre rifle which had been in the family for years, and that he did not have the magazine for the firearm.

Court documents reveal police seized the firearm which was stored under the mattress on a bed.

Officers also located a small bottle of cannabis oil which the accused claimed he rubbed into his skin for pain relief.

On December 3, 2020, police returned to the address and placed Keillor under arrest for drug supply offences.

At Albury police station, Keillor made partial admissions to supply cannabis in small amounts.

He stated his son occasionally sold cannabis for him when he wasn’t home, but was just doing what he was told.

Magistrate Miranda Moody said she would require a sentencing assessment report before sentencing Keillor, and adjourned the matter for six weeks.

Keillor will appear back in Albury Local Court on May 25 for sentence.