The judge was satisfied that Waters joined a conspiracy in December 2017 and traveled to Serbia from Dubai to facilitate the return of prohibited drugs by exchanging money. The operation was highly sophisticated and indicated a well-organized criminal enterprise based in Colombia with global capabilities, including in countries like Australia, Thailand, and Serbia. Waters was considered a trusted person close to the principal of the syndicate, known as “Gov” or “Governor” in encrypted chat groups, and played a role in a hotel meeting. Although he may not have known the exact quantity of drugs involved, he knew it was a large amount of border-controlled substances that the syndicate was trying to retrieve.
The judge noted that Waters was willing to use violence against an undercover officer named Ivan at the meeting to secure the shipment, and he had arranged for a firearm and 12 men to potentially abduct Ivan in Belgrade. Waters later explained to a psychiatrist that a criminal associate of “Gov” had threatened his family if he did not accompany Arnold to Belgrade. Despite this, Waters did not report this to the police. It was revealed that Waters had been drinking excessively before the offense, which exacerbated his anxiety and depression, leading to conflicts with his wife, failed construction contracts, and significant financial losses. He was also spending up to $5000 a week on cocaine.
In a letter to the court, Waters’ father expressed his son’s desire to distance himself from bad influences and restart his construction business to contribute positively to society. Waters’ barrister highlighted his client’s exemplary behavior while in prison, working two jobs and mentoring other inmates as evidence of his contrition. Waters will be eligible for parole in January 2030, with a maximum sentence expiry in January 2038. Another man, David Edward John Campbell, who was found with a gun outside the hotel, was acquitted of conspiring to import drugs but found guilty of the possession conspiracy charge. Campbell is scheduled to be sentenced in May.
Overall, this case involved Waters joining a drug smuggling conspiracy in Serbia in late 2017 and participating in a sophisticated criminal operation orchestrated by a syndicate based in Colombia. Despite joining the conspiracy late, Waters played a significant role in facilitating the return of prohibited drugs and was willing to use violence to secure the contents of a shipment. His involvement in the criminal activity was attributed to his struggles with anxiety, depression, excessive drinking, and significant financial losses. Waters expressed a desire to distance himself from negative influences and resume his construction business to make a positive contribution to society upon his release. His exemplary behavior in prison and mentoring of other inmates were cited as evidence of his contrition. In contrast, Campbell, another individual involved in the conspiracy, was found guilty of possession charges and is awaiting sentencing in May.
