Trent Padley: Melton drug dealer’s ‘lucrative trafficking enterprise’

A major police operation caught a drug dealer with links to the Black Power gang selling “large volumes” to undercover officers.

A drug trafficker, who police say is associated with the Black Power street gang, is likely to avoid jail after he was caught selling “large volumes” of cannabis to undercover cops.

Trent Padley, 31, was arrested at his Frazer Rise home on August 20 following a seven month covert operation by detectives from the anti-gang Echo Taskforce targeting gang-related violence in Melbourne’s west.

Padley was introduced to the officers by patched Black Power member Manaia Milo, 28, to supply cannabis and provide Milo with a cut of the profit.

They met with Milo or Padley on six occasions between February and May to buy cannabis, cocaine and a bolt-action firearm.

The roofing labourer faced the Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, pleading guilty to three counts of trafficking cannabis, cannabis possession and dealing with the proceeds of crime.

The court over three dates he sold 910g of cannabis for $7600 to the officers and was arrested with a further 910g cannabis at his house.

His lawyer, Nelson Brown, said this was the first time his client had faced court and he had begun “running in drug circles” in 2020.

“He was selling drugs to support his own habit,” he said.

“Since he was charged he has ceased being associated with people involved in drugs.”

Magistrate Jenifer Grubissa told Padley he was in a “serious situation” after being caught trafficking significant quantities of cannabis.

“This is not insignificant amounts, this is a lucrative trafficking enterprise for your financial enrichment,” she said.

But Ms Grubissa said because this was his first offence, she would likely impose a two-year community corrections order with “significant” community service.

His co-offender Milo however, was handed a three month jail term followed by a community corrections order in January this year.

The matter was adjourned until April 6 so Padley could be assessed for a corrections order. He will return to court on that date.