A French chef arrested in Queenstown during a drugs bust 10 months ago, who offered to sell ecstasy and ketamine, has avoided prison.
Alexandre Antoine Chabanier was one of 10 people arrested after a four-month police investigation led to search warrants being carried out in the resort town, Wānaka and Roxburgh.
It was sparked by the discovery of a French-themed Facebook group page called "Les Branleurs en Nouvelle Zelande", or "W...... in New Zealand".
Police also found 3g of psylocibin — powdered magic mushrooms — in a self-sealing bag.
Analysis of his cellphone data showed Facebook messages offering to sell MDMA (ecstasy) and ketamine for cash, or in one case offering to trade ecstasy for cannabis, between April and July last year.
Chabanier was sentenced in the Queenstown District Court yesterday on charges of offering to supply MDMA, offering to supply ketamine, possessing psylocibin, and possessing cannabis.
He admitted the charges after a sentencing indication — a hearing that lets offenders know what their sentence is likely to be if they plead guilty — in June.
Four other drugs charges were withdrawn.
Counsel Ben Alexander said the defendant had been dependent on drugs for more than 20 years after being exposed to cannabis at a young age.
The offending occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic, when he was socially isolated and under financial pressure.
Chabanier would start a job in Auckland today, but intended to return to France once he completed his sentence, Mr Alexander said.
Judge Russell Walker said he was concerned that despite a psychologist’s recommendation Chabanier completely abstain from illegal drugs, the defendant had stated he believed drug use still had a place in his life.
"I’m telling you today it doesn’t."
From the 14-month term of imprisonment in his sentencing indication, the judge applied a discount for the defendant’s clean record, the impact of addiction and rehabilitation potential.
He converted the resulting term of 11 months’ prison to 150 hours’ community work and 15 months’ judicially-monitored intensive supervision.
Having a job was an "important rehabilitative factor" for the defendant, Judge Walker said.
