Grandpa Allegedly Sells Drugs From Retirement Home

KEY POINTS

A 62-year-old man in Australia was accused of running a drug supply ring from his retirement home
Police allegedly seized cannabis and methylamphetamine from his vehicle and unit
Authorities launched an investigation into the man in June after they allegedly received multiple tip-offs

A 62-year-old grandfather in Sydney, Australia, who allegedly sold drugs from his retirement home was arrested last week after police caught him in possession of the illegal substances.

Gary Halford was arrested during a traffic stop in Baulkham Hills at around 12:45 p.m. Thursday after officers allegedly seized cannabis, methylamphetamine (ice) and a mobile phone from his Ford Falcon, 7News.com.au reported.

Authorities executed a search warrant at the former bus driver's unit at the Mountainview Retreat Retirement Village in Dural later that day and allegedly found 12 grams (0.4 ounces) of cannabis, six LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) tabs, a baton and electronic devices, all of which will undergo further examination.

Halford is facing several charges, including six counts of possessing a prohibited drug, supplying a prohibited drug, possessing or using a prohibited weapon without a permit and failing to comply with a public health order.

Another man, identified as 37-year-old Lyndall Cook, was also charged with failure to comply with a COVID-19 public health order requirement alongside Halford when police stopped him, a report by the Daily Telegraph said. He will appear in court at a later date.

Police launched an investigation into Halford in June after they received multiple tip-offs from CrimeStoppers.

Residents told 7News that they became concerned when they saw multiple people visiting the elderly man at odd times.

"He was getting visitors at the night time, you know, coming and going," one resident, identified as Elaine Chapman, was quoted as saying.

"This is a retirement village... it's dreadful. It is dreadful," another resident said.

An employee of Mountainview Retreat Retirement Village, which is designed for people aged over 55 and costs at least $329,000 to enter, said they were unable to comment on residents.

Halford was reportedly granted strict conditional bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court on Sept. 8.

When asked if the pensioner will be defending himself against the charges, Halford said, "Of course I will."

A similar incident occurred in New York in late May when seven people were arrested after they allegedly sold drugs at a Long Island senior citizen housing center.