A Horsham man was fined and severely reprimanded by the magistrate after police discovered an esky containing more than a dozen cannabis-filled zip-lock bags during a drug raid in 2020.
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Paul Rushbrook, 43, of Evans St, Horsham, pleaded guilty to trafficking a drug of dependence and dealing with the proceeds of crime at the Horsham Magistrates' Court on Monday, July 19.
On November 11, 2020, at 7.45am, police executed a search warrant at Rushbrook's property.
As a result of the search, officers found a small amount of cannabis on the kitchen table, two mobile phones, and 20 $50 notes.
Rushbrook was arrested and taken to the Horsham police station for further questioning.
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More than $1500 in cash was found in his wallet.
At 8.45am, a co-accused's home was searched by police.
Officers found an esky containing multiple zip lock bags of cannabis weighing 186g.
Officers also found two mobile phones and a small set of scales.
The co-accused was arrested and taken to the Horsham police station.
During a formal interview, the co-accused said they held the cannabis for 'Rushy'.
On January 15, 2021, police found evidence of a significant amount of trafficking of cannabis on the phones retrieved from the two properties.
Messages from Rushbrook told the co-accused to deliver the ziplock bags, each containing 1/4 ounce of cannabis, to specific addresses.
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Rushbrook's defence counsel said he used the cannabis for personal use to treat health issues; since the arrest, Rushbook has sought professional medical help.
Magistrate Jonathan Klestadt said Rushbrook acted with "the attitude of a teenager" up until his 2020 arrest, and that cannabis had a serious impact on the Horsham community.
"The fact that you did little to hide your behaviour suggests a blasé attitude," Mr Klestadt said.
"I know that the use of cannabis is relatively widespread and many people regard it as a harmless recreational drug similar to alcohol; however, it is a dangerous substance."
Mr Klestadt fined Rushbrook $5000 and ordered the cannabis, mobile phones and scales to be forfeited and destroyed.
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