Perth raid: Geraldton man convicted over illicit and prescription drug hoard

A Geraldton man busted with a dizzying array of drugs — including cocaine, LSD, magic mushrooms, MDMA, a large amount of cannabis and various prescription drugs — has avoided jail time. The hoard, which included more than 270g of cannabis, was seized when police raided a Tuart Hill property in August 2018. Among the prescription drugs seized were Oxycontin, Valium and ketamine — an anaesthetic so powerful it is used as a horse tranquilliser. Matthew John Sharpe, 31, was charged with 16 offences including possession of cannabis with intent to sell or supply, five counts of possession of a prohibited drug, and seven counts of unlawful possession of a prescription drug. Sharpe was sentenced in Geraldton Magistrate’s Court on Monday to a 12-month intensive supervision order. He was also fined $1000. Police prosecutor Sergeant Carey Owen described the variety of drugs seized as “vast” but said Sharpe had no prior convictions for dealing drugs. “I believe Mr Sharpe does need assistance, and that’s why I’ve asked your honour to consider a conditional suspended imprisonment order,” Sgt Owen told the magistrate. Defence lawyer Melissa Wishart said a psychological report indicated Sharpe suffered “quite a significant amount of trauma” during childhood. Magistrate Chris Miocevich said Sharpe had made “significant changes” in his life.