A heroin trafficker caught in a cross-border undercover police sting has been sentenced to at least eight months behind bars.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Nhan Van Hoang, 52, was described in the ACT Supreme Court on Friday as a mid-level drug dealer with a gambling problem.
He did not use his dealing to live a life of luxury, the court heard, living modestly with little possessions in his home and no real assets to his name.
Hoang's gambling problem with pokies and casinos chewed through most of the man's money.
He was caught in an undercover police operation, jointly run by ACT and NSW police.
An undercover officer was with another man who bought heroin from Hoang at a meeting at Coppins Crossing.
Telephone intercepts also recorded an exchange between the pair, in which they arranged to meet and for the sale of a "big one".
Both men were later arrested.
Hoang was found with $6500 cash and with more heroin in his car. He was charged and brought before the courts, pleading not guilty.
Hoang challenged the authority of the undercover operation that led to his arrest.
It would have seen the case against him collapse, but it was thrown out in the ACT Supreme Court.
Hoang then pleaded guilty and was sentenced by Justice Richard Refshauge on Friday.
Justice Refshauge said the gambling addiction helped to explain the trafficking, but did not mitigate it.
"The use of such money to feed an addiction serves to put the seriousness closer to that of a drug addict," he said.
Hoang has not used drugs and has no problem with alcohol, the court heard.
Justice Refshauge said the quantity of heroin involved, about seven grams, was only just above the weight considered to be a trafficable quantity.
He sentenced Hoang to two years and one month imprisonment.
Hoang will be eligible for parole after eight months.
Justice Refshauge recommended he undergo counselling for his gambling problem if paroled.
"Obviously, unless Mr Hoang addresses his gambling, he is at risk of reoffending," he said.
