An Invercargill drug dealer caught by police with more than $11,500 worth of pills in his car was jailed for two years and one month this week.

Jarrod Michael Byrne, 25, a labourer, was sentenced in Invercargill District Court on five charges of having methylenedioxpyrovalerone, known as MDPV, for sale, four charges of offering to supply ecstasy, one charge of supplying lysergic acid – LSD – and one count of selling MDPV.

Judge Kevin Phillips said police intercepted text messages from Byrne in which he organised drug deals and meetings with suppliers.

Byrne was stopped by police in Edendale in February. Searching his car, they found MDPV tablets worth between $11,500 and $14,500, Judge Phillips said.

When questioned, Byrne admitted he was also selling about 50 to 100 ecstasy pills a week at $50 each, the judge said.

Defence lawyer Bill Dawkins said Byrne was truly remorseful.

"He feels real shame, as he should do."

Byrne had spent most of his drug profits feeding his own habit, he said.

Judge Phillips said Byrne's addiction to drugs overrode his common sense.

"You saw a way of living a life and maintaining your addiction," he said.

"You never considered what the consequences would be ... You have all the attributes of a drug addict and supplier not at all concerned about the flow-on effects on other young people buying your drugs."

- © Fairfax NZ News

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