A 31-year-old Uber driver who was caught attempting to import ephedrine from India to manufacture drugs in his chook shed has faced court in Ballarat.
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Patrick Leonidas, of Parwan near Bacchus Marsh, had researched on the internet how to make methylamphetamine (ice) in an effort to make himself more money to support his young family, a County Court sitting in Ballarat on Wednesday heard.
The father of three, who had once attempted to become a priest in Greece, had contacted a man in India from whom he purchased $6842 worth of ephedrine - the drug used to manufacture ice.
But the court heard the shipment of the ephedrine was intercepted when it arrived in Sydney, after it was discovered sewn into the lining of garments which had been sent in a dry cleaning bag from New Delhi.
The address on the shipment was linked to a PO Box Leonidas had opened in Melton.
On June 15, 2016 Australian Federal Police attended Leonidas’ rural Parwan property where a clandestine lab was found in a small chicken shed.
Keys to the Melton PO Box, laboratory glassware and instructions on how to make ice using ephedrine were also found.
Leonidas made admissions to attempting to manufacture the drug ice, telling police he legally purchased some of the scientific equipment found in the chicken shed from the Ballarat and Melton areas.
But he had never made the drug or sold any.
Leonidas has pleaded guilty to one count each of attempting to traffick methylamphetamine, the Commonwealth offence of importing tier one goods, and possessing cannabis.
He faces a maximum of 15 years behind bars for attempting to traffick the drug.
Leonidas' lawyer, Ruth Shann, told the court it was clear her client was a long way from making any drugs, with Leonidas abandoning his attempt in April of 2016.
She explained to the court her client, who had ended up bankrupt in 2013, wanted to make more money and get back into a position to support his family.
Ms Shann added the decision to embark on the "ridiculous" endeavour was out of character for her client who had no criminal history.
With excellent rehabilitative prospects, she submitted a community corrections order was a sentencing option open to the court.
But the Crown did not agree, submitting an immediate term of prison was called for.
The plea hearing will continue on May 12, where it is expected Ms Shann will make further submissions.
