Barber Rami Chaarani sentenced in Toowoomba Supreme Court for drug possession

A former barbershop owner’s shady demeanour cost him his freedom when police discovered a large quantity of ice in his possession.

Rami Chaarani was sentenced in Toowoomba Supreme Court for drug possession. Picture: File

A former barber caught the eye of police when he tried to hide drugs in his possession.

Former barber shop owner Rami Chaarani pleaded guilty to possessing a dangerous drug in excess of 2g and two minor drug offences before Toowoomba Supreme Court on Friday after police caught him with methamphetamine stuffed in his pants.

The court was told Chaarani had been at an Oakey address on February 29 of this year when police arrived to execute an unrelated search warrant.

Crown prosecutor Abby Kong said police observed Chaarani drop a bag and fiddle with his pants behind his back, causing officers to become suspicious.

They then conducted a search of Chaarani’s person and located 6.255g of pure methamphetamine contained in multiple clip seal bags, a small amount of cannabis and a glass smoking pipe.

Ms Kong advised the court Chaarani had a significant history of drug offending dating back years.

“What that history really speaks to is consistent drug use as far back as 2014,” she said.

“In my submission, it does speak to a drug addiction on his behalf.”

Mr Chaarani was on parole for supplying dangerous drugs at the time of the offending.

He was remanded following his arrest and has remained in custody since that day.

Barrister Jessica Goldie instructed by Guess Lawyers said Chaarani had made strides with his drug addiction.

“He has been clean for the entirety of this period while in custody,” she said.

She added he continued working as a barber in prison and completed rehabilitation and education courses in preparation of his release.

“He has made some positive steps towards rehabilitation,” she said.

Justice Thomas Bradley KC warned Chaarani of falling off the wagon.

“You have had some exposure and involvement with dangerous drugs for about 10 years,” he said.

“You really must do something about this problem because you will get to a point where it gets much more difficult.

“There is a real double risk to you that if you relapse into use, the people that might be able to help you will not be as easy to access, because your behaviour will drive them away.”

Mr Chaarani was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment with 171 days declared time served, taking into account time served throughout the duration of his sentence.

He was granted immediate parole eligibility.