Comanchero bikie associate Zachary Partington admitted dealing ecstasy worth about $650,000.
Camera IconComanchero bikie associate Zachary Partington admitted dealing ecstasy worth about $650,000.

Comanchero bikie-linked drug dealer Zachary Ian Partington jailed for 12 years

AAP

A Comanchero bikie associate who admitted dealing ecstasy worth about $650,000 has been sentenced to 12 years in prison and declared a drug trafficker.

Zachary Ian Partington, 23, was arrested in April last year during an investigation into an alleged drug dealing syndicate suspected of being closely linked to the outlaw motorcycle gang.

During a search of his High Wycombe home by the WA National Anti-gangs Squads, officers found 7.44kg of MDMA, $3900 in cash and five encrypted mobile phones.

Partington pleaded guilty in the WA District Court to possessing MDMA with intent to sell or supply and possessing unlawfully obtained cash.

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He also pleaded guilty to seven additional offences, related to other drugs and weapon charges, dating back to June 2017.

Judge David MacLean said during sentencing last week that Partington was clearly trusted with very large amounts of dangerous drugs.

“The enterprise could not operate without your involvement in it and it’s clearly the case that the large part of your motivation, notwithstanding any illicit drug use on your part and the associated expense of that illicit drug use, was a commercial interest,” he said.

Judge MacLean acknowledged a prison term would perhaps be “bear heavier” on Partington than might ordinarily be the case.

“I’m speaking obviously of the COVID influenza. I’m not ignorant of that and I do propose to take it into account,” he said.

Judge MacLean also took into consideration Partington’s youth, remorse and steps already taken to rehabilitate himself.

But he said general deterrence was a significant sentencing factor too.

Partington will become eligible for parole in April 2028.