Himoana Huria pleads guilty to trafficking marijuana on Gold Coast

A Gold Coast boxer and dad has been sentenced for drug trafficking, claiming he inherited the business from his own dealer. FULL DETAILS

A Gold Coast professional boxer and father has dodged time behind bars for drug trafficking, claiming he inherited the business from his own dealer.

Police searched Himoana Te Ariki Andrews Huria’s Molendinar home in June last year, uncovering about 200g of marijuana in plastic tubs in the kitchen.

Himoana Huria. Picture: Himoana Huria/Instagram

Southport District Court was told texts on Huria’s mobile phone revealed he had been trafficking the drug for about four months prior, selling weekly to three customers and dealing to another two on individual occasions.

Prosecutor Paul Kay said Huria offered various strains and quantities of marijuana – including up to $300 for an ounce with $50 “deals” or discounts for regular customers – and would deliver to buyers’ homes upon request.

Himoana Huria. Picture: Himoana Huria/Instagram

The 31-year-old sold about 21 ounces of marijuana in total for close to $7000.

Mr Kay said Huria told police he had inherited the business from his own drug dealer in January that year, using the small profits to support his own habit.

The court was told the pro boxer left New Zealand for Australia in 2017 and could be at risk of deportation following his sentencing, though his future remained uncertain.

Himoana Huria (right) leaving court with his partner. Picture: Jessica Paul

Defence barrister Wayne Tolton said his client had long been dependent on marijuana, having been introduced to the drug at six years old by his stepfather during a “brutal upbringing”.

Mr Tolton said Huria stopped using marijuana the day of his arrest, with hopes of becoming a sole trader in pool concreting to support his partner and children.

Judge Deborah Holliday said the drug trafficking was serious, but references from Huria’s partner and boxing trainer indicated his brush with the law had been a turning point for him.

Huria pleaded guilty to one count each of trafficking dangerous drugs and possessing dangerous drugs.

He was sentenced to two-and-a-half years’ jail with immediate parole release.

Originally published as Himoana Huria pleads guilty to trafficking marijuana on Gold Coast