Miles man Tai John Hanson had various drugs when picked up in Dalby

The Western Downs meth and MDMA dealer was revealed to have about 20 local customers. More details.

The 39-year-old sold drugs almost daily to a customer base of about 20 people.

A 39-year-old Miles man has been jailed for dealing drugs on the Western Downs.

Tai John Hanson had small amounts of meth and MDMA (ecstasy) in his backpack when picked up by police on a Dalby street.

However, it was by the messages on his mobile phone which told of the extent of his drug dealing.

Though many of the messages were in code, it was apparent to police that Hanson had been dealing meth, ecstasy and cannabis, Crown prosecutor Nicole Friedewald told Toowoomba Supreme Court.

By the phone messages, it appeared Hanson was selling drugs almost daily and he had a customer base of about 20 people, she said.

Hanson would buy drugs in wholesale amounts and sell at street level, Ms Friedewald said.

Hanson pleaded guilty to trafficking and possessing dangerous drugs.

The court heard since his arrest, Hanson had been able to open up as to why he had been offending and he was now receiving counselling.

Justice Peter Callaghan noted Hanson had a limited criminal history.

“You seemed to be quite aware of what you were doing and indeed were quite good at it,” he told the prisoner.

“It is a good thing that since arrested you have opened up.

“You’re a better person than you are a drug dealer.”

Justice Callaghan sentenced Hanson to three years in jail but ordered he be released on parole on May 20 next year.