AN OUTRAGED magistrate has issued a stern warning about the drug ice after hearing a Horsham drug trafficker referred to the devastating methamphetamine as “just ice” and “just between friends”.
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Magistrate Andrew Capell on Thursday condemned Trent Johnson’s view of the drug, adding he had seen photographs of brains with holes in them due to ice use.
“There is no such thing as ‘just ice’,” a visibly infuriated Mr Capell said.
“You must not read newspapers, you must not watch TV ... you must watch TV. You have seen how bad it (ice) is.
“You mark my words, it’s a highly addictive drug and you’ll be tempted to use it again.”
The magistrate said no true “friend” would ever supply their mates with such a drug.
“Don’t go near those who use it again or the next step will be jail,” he said.
The court heard Johnson, 26, was intercepted in a car driven by another man near Ballarat on July 27.
Police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Steve Kent said police searched the car and found two grams of ice, deal bags and cash in a bag Johnson was trying to conceal.
Johnson was also hiding an ice pipe in his underwear.
Interviewed by police, Johnson said the ice had been for personal use and he hadn’t made any money from selling the drug.
“It was just between friends,” he said in an interview.
“Not for profit at all. It’s just ice.”
Johnson pleaded guilty to trafficking.
A lawyer for Johnson said her client had been a hard-working “country boy” who first became involved with the drug speed during a stint as a truck driver.
“The use of speed then led to ice,” the lawyer said.
The lawyer said Johnson then lost his licence, in turn losing his job driving trucks, but was left with an ice habit.
“He then turns to selling to his mates to fund his habit,” the lawyer said.
The court heard Johnson has since ceased his drug use and sought drug counselling.
The magistrate congratulated Johnson on seeking help and said Johnson’s background proved he had “a chance” at remaining trouble free.
Mr Capell sentenced Johnson to a 12 month community corrections order, including orders that he seek treatment and assessment for drug use. Johnson was also fined $1750.