Heroin trafficker jailed for three years for his part in importing drugs through the post
A heroin trafficker has been jailed for three years for his role in importing the drug through the post. And, under tough new laws, he will likely be deported when he gets out.
South East
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A heroin trafficker has been smacked with a three-year jail term after he was pinged importing more than 200g of the opiate through the post.
The Springvale 35-year-old was caught in a federal police drug-ring sting after his phone was tapped and messages between him and other syndicate members were tracked.
Keng Hooi Ooi was last week sentenced by the County Court for his part in importing a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug.
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The amount found – 244g – is 122 times the marketable quantity.
The court heard Ooi, a father of three and fruit shop manager, was embroiled in the trafficking operation back in 2016.
His role was to be the conduit for parcels coming from Malaysia to Australia via couriers, with his address being the destination where drugs were to be sent.
In October 2016 Border Force officers intercepted a white powder consignment which listed Ooi as the contact, which was then analysed and found to be heroin.
His home was searched and a phone found, but Ooi said he did not know what was inside the parcel and he was released pending further investigations.
Messages found on the phone incriminated him and in February 2017 he was arrested and charged.
He initially pleaded not guilty, but just before a trial in August last year he changed his mind and admitted his role.
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Judge Irene Lawson said Ooi, while remorseful, was a pivotal player in a trade that did significant social damage.
“You actively participated in the importation of heroin into Australia,” Judge Lawson said.
“Your role, whilst limited, was crucial to the successful importation of the package containing the border-controlled drug.”
Ooi was sentenced to three years in jail, with a minimum of two, and he is likely to be deported upon release to his native Malaysia.
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