Geraldton drug and alcohol worker James Brockman one of four charged over alleged cannabis trafficking ring

A Geraldton drug and alcohol support service officer has been charged over an alleged scheme to sell almost 4kg of cannabis. James Alexander Brockman appeared on Friday in Geraldton Magistrates Court from custody after being charged with conspiracy to possess cannabis with the intent to sell or supply, and the possession of stolen or unlawfully obtained property. The 50-year-old is an Aboriginal services officer with Midwest Mental Health and Community Alcohol and Drug Service, which is run by the WA Country Health Service and funded by the Mental Health Commission. Geraldton detectives officer-in-charge Sen. Sgt Bruce McDonald said police on Friday conducted a traffic stop in Deepdale just after 12am, when they uncovered 3.8kg of cannabis. Partners Khyteesha Shai Anne Cross, 21, and Joshua Raymond Delacy, 20, were arrested at the scene and charged with possession of a prohibited drug with the intent to sell. Police then conducted a second vehicle stop in Mount Tarcoola, where they seized $30,840 in cash and arrested another female. Sen. Sgt McDonald said police will allege this woman had driven the cannabis to Geraldton from Perth, with the drugs later collected by Ms Cross and Mr Delacy. “The transaction occurred, we’ve stopped the car with the cannabis in it and then shortly after we’ve stopped the car with the money,” he said. Mr Brockman’s Wandina house was subject to a search warrant at 1.20am the same day, with police seizing $11,050 in cash. He was not required to enter pleas on Friday and did not apply for bail, with Mr Brockman to remain in custody until at least next Thursday. Ms Cross and Mr Delacy also appeared in court on Friday, with police not opposing bail. They were released from custody but are prohibited from contacting each other, Mr Brockman or the fourth co-accused, who is yet to front court. The couple must also comply with reporting and curfew conditions. They will appear in court again on June 9. Mr Brockman received an excellence award at the 2014 National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Awards for his work in the Mid West. He told the Guardian at the time that his shared experience with many of his clients fuelled his passion to help people. “I’ve lived the life most of my clients are living and I’m lucky I’ve found an avenue to turn myself around,” he said. “I live for helping and supporting people and I get total job satisfaction from being able to assist people in moving forward with their lives.” WACHS has been contacted for comment.