A man from Hamilton has been sentenced to jail after his involvement in a cocaine trafficking syndicate across South East Queensland was uncovered, following a routine police search at his luxury Brisbane unit.
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Gene Isaac Shaw, 35, first came to the attention of authorities in October 2020 when officers found 25 grams of pure cocaine, worth around $17,000, hidden inside a pencil case at his Hamilton apartment. Rather than charging him immediately, police launched a broader investigation that later exposed a network of drug dealers operating in Brisbane’s inner suburbs.
The Supreme Court in Brisbane heard that Shaw and other syndicate members used a unit in Spring Hill and a property in Albion to store drugs and hold meetings. Initially managing the Spring Hill operation, Shaw later handed over control to two associates who established a fake company to disguise trafficking profits as legitimate payroll and superannuation payments.
During the near nine-month trafficking period, Shaw remained unemployed, living in a $650-a-week apartment, yet financial records revealed he received around $42,000 in unexplained income. An additional $112,000 linked to money laundering activities was also deposited into his account.
Police said Shaw predominantly supplied small amounts of cocaine to end-users, maintaining a customer base of 62 people. He was arrested in March 2022 and later pleaded guilty to trafficking cocaine, money laundering, and possessing dangerous drugs.
The court heard that Shaw began addressing his drug issues before his arrest, participating in rehabilitation programs and showing honesty about his past relapses. His efforts were supported by character references and his continued family support, factors that weighed into the court’s sentencing.
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However, the judge noted the seriousness of Shaw’s trafficking activities and the financial evidence of his involvement. Shaw was sentenced to five years in prison, with the term to be suspended after serving 12 months.
Published 29-April-2025
