Accused drug supplier and former truck driver Andrew David Quayle yesterday lashed out at the truck industry when he gave evidence at his trial, saying drug use was common because of long trips and deadlines.
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A verdict is expected today in the case, where Mr Quayle has pleaded not guilty to supplying a prohibited drug.
It is alleged that he possessed 51.26 grams of methylamphetamine, discovered when he was pulled over in Dubbo on August 10 2006, for the purpose of supply.
Yesterday, the jury heard evidence from the former truck driver who insisted the drugs were solely for his own use to get him through long trips.
Mr Quayle described the truck driving industry as a “s... house industry” in which drugs are prominent, admitting he frequently used amphetamines while driving.
“In an industry where there’s deadlines and if you’re late you lose your job, when there’s the aspect of driving all night, you’ve got to do those things,” he said, referring to drug use.
Addressing the Crown, he said, “You reap the benefits every day sir, of truck drivers taking drugs.
“It is a s...house industry. I don’t want anything to do with it anymore.”
He said he has since left the industry, finding work as a mechanic.
When questioned over the substantial quantity found in his possession, Mr Quayle said it was common for truck drivers to “buy in bulk” so it would last.
Also giving evidence yesterday as a drug expert, Superintendent Stuart Smith said it was his opinion that the made-up quantities of the drugs found (in plastic resealable bags of varying weights) were consistent with quantities that would be made up for resale.
Furthermore, Supt Smith said when pairing the drugs with a set of scales and $2000 cash found in $50 notes were “indicative of someone engaged in drug supply”.
Mr Quayle has pleaded guilty to one count of supplying a prohibited drug, when police discovered him with 67.75 grams of amphetamines on September 29 2006, seven weeks after he was granted bail.
He said he and a “couple of friends” all put in to purchase those drugs so he could “do more miles” to pay for his barrister in the pending court proceedings.
Mr Quayle admitted his guilty plea in that case was because he intended to supply the drugs with the other men who helped pay for them.
He refused to name the others involved, saying, “they’re not drug dealers, they’re trying to make a living” and there was no point “wrecking their lives”.
The trial resumes today in Dubbo District Court.
