SEVERAL men arrested during a long-running secret Tamworth police sting have admitted to supplying cannabis.
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Van Hieu Vu, Quang Thang Bui and Noel Henry Allen all fronted Tamworth District Court on Friday morning to plead guilty to drug supply charges, while Paul Andrew Allan is in rehabilitation and is expected to plead guilty, his solicitor said.
The men were arrested in February last year as part of Strike Force Boikanumba, an operation set up by Oxley police to home in on those behind cannabis supply in the Tamworth and Liverpool Plains areas.
Vu and Bui were arrested in a co-ordinated operation in Freemans Waterhole, while police raided homes in Quipolly, Caroona, Westdale and Oxley Vale.
Paul Allan did appear for the arraignment on Friday, and family members were in court for the mention.
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He faces four charges, including supplying more than a commercial quantity of drugs, two further indictable quantity of drug supply charges, and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime.
Solicitor Garry Johnston said "we don't have an indictment" into which to enter pleas, but indicated his client would plead guilty.
"This will no longer be a trial," he told the court.
This will no longer be a trial ... It's only been resolved [on Thursday], following lengthy instructions.
- Solicitor Garry Johnston
"It's only been resolved [on Thursday], following lengthy instructions."
Mr Johnston asked for the matter to go over to finalise the details and a plea.
"The facts have to be resolved," he said.
"The facts need to be prepared."
Judge Jeffery McLennan examined the papers and said it was clear the case centered on "a ring supplying cannabis leaf", but queried to whom Paul Allan's charges related.
Mr Johnston said his case was "proximate" to Vui's, involving "varying quantities".
Paul Allan's case was adjourned to next month to enter pleas; his bail was varied to allow him to move to a second rehabilitation program.
"He's been accepted to another non-residential rehab here in Tamworth," Mr Johnston said.
He's been accepted to another non-residential rehab here in Tamworth.
- Solicitor Garry Johnston
Judge McLennan granted the move from late April, after the DPP consented to the bail variation.
Vu told the court: "Yes, I'm guilty" to a charge of supplying not less than a commercial quantity of cannabis leaf between October 5, 2017, and February 6, 2018, at Freemans Waterhole.
Bui admitted to taking part in the supply of cannabis leaf at the same place between the same dates.
Agent solicitor Harry Pendlebury asked for sentencing assessment reports for both his clients, ahead of sentencing in May.
"Your bail is continued. Thank you very much," Judge McLennan said.
Noel Allen said he was guilty to supplying cannabis leaf between December 27, 2017, and February 6, 2018.
Judge McLennan said all four men were entitled to a 25 per cent discount for their early guilty pleas, and continued their bail.
Other co-accused remain before the court on drug supply charges.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
