Case of alleged multimillion-dollar drug smuggling syndicate into Tasmania may resolve before trial

The case of a New South Wales jeweller charged with running a multimillion-dollar drug syndicate into Tasmania may resolve before reaching trial.

Four luxury vehicles and a motorcycle, valued at more than $2 million, were seized by police. Picture: NSW Police Force and Tasmania Police

The case of a New South Wales jeweller charged with running a major drug syndicate – with millions of dollars worth of ice, cocaine and heroin allegedly smuggled into Tasmania – may resolve before reaching trial.

Jean Michele Christophe Wimmer, 39, has previously pleaded not guilty to a singular charge of trafficking in a controlled substance between May 2019 and May 2021.

His plea came after he was extradited to Tasmania in April last year, following his arrest at Parramatta.

The matter has been expected to go to trial since Mr Wimmer entered his plea last June, although a date has not yet been set.

On Friday, Mr Wimmer faced the Supreme Court of Tasmania via video link, with the court hearing the matter “may potentially resolve”.

Four luxury vehicles and a motorcycle, valued at more than $2 million, were seized by police. Picture: NSW Police Force and Tasmania Police

A Crown prosecutor told Justice Gregory Geason there had been “a proposal put by the state” – and asked for the matter to adjourn for another five weeks.

Mr Wimmer’s lawyer, who was dialled into the court by telephone, said the parties had been “discussing a resolution”, which “still may happen”.

“The extra time will allow us to continue those discussions,” he said.

At the time of his arrest, NSW Police claimed the drug ring had been worth nearly $5 million – and alleged Mr Wimmer ran the racket from his western Sydney home.

As part of a seven-month investigation, police seized three Ferraris, a Lamborghini. a gold-plated Harley-Davidson, and cash.

Mr Wimmer will return to court on October 17.

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