Halid Hadziefendic jailed in Adelaide for sending cannabis, cash in the mail

A man involved in a drug syndicate, which distributed cannabis and cash by mail, has been jailed for at least two and a half years.

Halid Hadziefenic, who was involved in a drug syndicate that sent cannabis and cash by mail, has been jailed for more than two years. NCA NewsWire/Mark Brake

A South Australian man involved in a $170,000 cannabis-by-mail drug syndicate will spend the next two and half years behind bars.

Halid Hadziefendic, 48, was arrested in May 2017 for his involvement in a drug operation that posted kilograms of cannabis and cash to and from NSW and Queensland through Australia Post.

He was charged with four counts of trafficking a large commercial quantity of drugs and one count of unlawful possession.

The Adelaide District Court on Wednesday heard Hadziefendic’s home was raided by police in May 2017 where 7.3kg cannabis, about $15,000 of cash and mobile telephones were seized.

In past appearances, the Bosnian man claimed he was not the leader of the syndicate, which was instead run by a Queensland man living in the Philippines at the time.

He claimed that man — who was a friend of his father’s — paid him $100 a pound for packaging the marijuana.

The court heard on Wednesday the drugs were being sold for $2900 a pound.

Halid Hadziefenic pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges. NCA NewsWire/Mark Brake

Hadziefendic previously pleaded guilty to all of his charges.

Judge Rauf Soulio cited comments made in the accused’s psychological report and said Hadziefendic “felt obliged” to help the family friend when approached by him.

“You said you did not want to become involved as you were working, making good money, and had family responsibility,” the judge said.

“You said you anticipated you might be caught in the offending and said you felt like an idiot for letting (the man) involve you in this offending, particularly as you also implicated your son and former wife.”

The court heard Hadziefendic’s actions were primarily driven by financial gain, with poor mental health and substance abuse being other factors in the lead up to and during his offending.

Judge Soulio also read out letters of support for Hadziefendic, including one stating he saved a woman from drowning.

According to the letter, read by the judge, the woman was being dragged further away from land by large waves when Hadziefendic “made sure” she made it back to the beach safety.

“He’s also been a caring and dear friend of mine ever since,” Judge Soulio read.

“Risking everything you know for a complete stranger says a lot about someone’s heart.

“Not only did he save my life that day, he’s continuously checked in on me over the years to make sure I’m living my life.”

District Court Judge Rauf Soulio sentenced Hadziefendic on Wednesday. Picture: Roger Wyman

The judge told the court the woman said she hoped her story demonstrated Hadziefendic was “a good person who deserves a second chance”.

She urged Hadziefendic be given a second chance because “even the best people make mistakes”.

Hadziefendic now operates his own business, employing two people, and previously worked on major jobs at the new Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide Oval and the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI).

In sentencing, Judge Soulio said the man was unlikely to offend again and would have “positive prospects” upon release.

He noted Hadziefendic’s willingness to help others, the support he provides his partner, children and mother and his employment of others.

“The fact that since this offending, which occurred about four years ago, you have not offended (again) but to the contrary engaged in a positive process of rehabilitation,” Judge Soulio said.

“I only hope you’re able to retain your relationship with your partner and your children and you use this time as constructively as possible.

“When you are released on parole, that you put this episode behind you and return to being a productive member of the community.”

He was sentenced to five years and three months imprisonment with a non-parole period of two years and six months.