Tapleys Hill father of four, Romeo Cavaiuolo, jailed for Adelaide meth chemical importation through cooking utensil packages

A southern suburbs father has been sentenced for helping to import ingredients to produce $1m worth of meth.

A father, who helped import methamphetamine chemicals from India “under duress” that were intercepted by undercover Border Force officials could return to the community – and his family – in August.

On Wednesday, Romeo Cavaiuolo, 32, appeared before Judge Rauf Soulio to be sentenced for federal and state drug offences.

Judge Soulio said Cavaiuolo, of Tapleys Hill, was dealing with an “insidious” addiction to methamphetamines, which plunged him into a debt.

Romeo Cavaiuolo was imprisoned for importing methamphetamine ingredients into Adelaide. Picture: AAP Image/Morgan Sette

“You said that as a result of a drug deal which had gone wrong, you owed drug money to a third party, who threatened violence against you and threatened your life,” Judge Soulio said.

“You were told by those whom you owed the money that your only option was to provide addresses which packages could be delivered to.”

Cavaiuolo agreed to receive three imported shipments of pseudoephedrine from India on behalf of an intermediary only out of a “fear for his life” – for $10,000 and drugs – following an alleged assault.

The father of four, who was previously commended in 2019 for helping save a mother and daughter from a fire, pleaded guilty to importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled precursor and trafficking in a controlled drug.

Australian Border Force officer intercepted cooking utensil packages from India containing pseudoephedrine. Picture: ABF

Pseudoephedrine is one of the main a chemicals used to make meth. Picture: ABF

Cavaiuolo’s was arrest in July 2022, after Australian Border Force intercepted the cooking utensil package consignments.

The packages contained 6.5kg of pseudoephedrine, which were sent to his partner’s mothers home, and an empty property in the western suburbs.

Cavaiuolo’s family is not accused of any wrongdoing.

Officers located at his Tapleys Hill home $11,305 cash, 23.8g of methamphetamine, scales, a “tick list” and a taser.

Pseudoephedrine is a precursor chemical used primarily in the manufacture of methamphetamine.

Officers intercepted three packages expected by Cavaiuolo. Picture: ABF

ABF Chief Superintendent Bart England said the quantity could have produced more than $1m worth of methamphetamine and caused “immeasurable harm”.

“Our officers are alert to the different ways criminals attempt to conceal drugs at the

border, they really have seen it all,” Chief Superintendent England said.

“This should serve as a warning to others who think they can import illicit drugs into our

country and cause our community immeasurable harm.”

The chemical was confiscated by Australian Border Force officers during the investigation. Picture: ABF

Judge Soulio sentenced Cavaiuolo to five years, four months and 19 days imprisonment with a non-parole period of two years and nine month – which would expire in early August this year.

Following sentencing, His Honour addressed Cavaiuolo and told him to “make the most” of his remaining time in custody and to not “waste” anymore of his life.

“ … It’s important too for your own sake that you don’t waste any more of your life,” Judge Soulio said.

“I’m hoping you make the decision, as difficult as it is, you stick with supporting your family and looking out for yourself, and not take the easy way out.”

Originally published as Tapleys Hill father of four, Romeo Cavaiuolo, jailed for Adelaide meth chemical importation through cooking utensil packages