Shepparton man allegedly involved in ‘large-scale drug syndicate’

He’s charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of methamphetamines, trafficking methamphetamines, trafficking cocaine, possessing methamphetamines and possessing cocaine.

He’s also charged with possessing cartridge ammunition in an unsafe or dangerous manner, failing to store cartridge ammunition in a secure and locked container, possessing a silencer, two counts of dealing with the proceeds of crime, failing to provide access to two iPhones and driving unlicensed.

Shepparton Divisional Response Unit Senior Constable Victoria Watson said Mr Jafer was the primary target of a police operation investigating a large-scale drug syndicate between Shepparton and Melbourne.

Police intercepted Mr Jafer’s phone from May to September this year and allegedly found multiple phone calls and text messages discussing the sale and transaction of drugs in the Shepparton area.

Police allegedly found what they believe was 123g of cocaine and 115g of methamphetamines in a car with Mr Jafer and a co-accused.

The court heard the co-accused told police Mr Jafer had told him to pick up methamphetamines and cocaine, and 0.6g of methamphetamines and shotgun shells were also allegedly found in the car.

After searching Mr Jafer’s house, police also allegedly found 1.1g of cocaine, 0.7g of methamphetamines, $510, three cannabis tablets and cartridge ammunition.

Mr Jafer was arrested on September 11 and the investigation is ongoing.

Sen Constable Watson said Mr Jafer manipulated others into offending to make it look like he wasn’t the main offender, and he had a “solid network of clients” throughout the Shepparton area.

Mr Jafer’s defence counsel John O’Sullivan said his client was a young man who had no relevant priors and strong community ties.

He said the drugs police directly found on his client were small quantities, and the evidence the large quantities belonged to Mr Jafer was from his co-accused.

Mr O’Sullivan said his client had been in police cells since his arrest and there was “no prospect” of him going to a remand centre.

Magistrate Nicole Spicer acknowledged the “deplorable (custody) situation” and triable issues in the case.

However, she said it was highly likely the drug distribution had been ongoing for longer than the charges suggested.

In refusing bail, she noted the amendments to the bail act prioritising the importance of community safety.

Mr Jafer will next face court for a committal mention in December.