Luxury Retreat Owner Admits Cocaine Trafficking

Anthony Hammond, 57, a prominent tourism operator from one of Victoria's oldest farming families, has pleaded guilty to trafficking a commercial quantity of cocaine. Hammond, owner of the luxury Hide & Seek Retreat in Nagambie, was arrested as part of a covert police investigation.

Melbourne County Court heard that police tracked Hammond's co-accused, Matthew D'Aloia, through phone intercepts. Investigators allege Hammond received drug orders and then assigned tasks to D'Aloia. On March 25 of last year, Hammond was reportedly heard on an intercepted call stating he had an order and that someone would be dropping off a "brochure," which prosecutors claim was code for a cocaine sample. Later that day, Hammond allegedly instructed D'Aloia to prepare a "brochure" for the next day and informed him when to deliver it.

On March 31, D'Aloia was observed leaving his home with two backpacks. CCTV footage placed him near Hammond's Port Melbourne residence with one backpack, believed to contain 2kg of cocaine. Hammond was then seen placing the backpack into his car and driving to Malvern. He entered an apartment complex with the bag, which he exited approximately nine minutes later with the bag empty, according to police. Prosecutors allege Hammond delivered the cocaine to another co-offender, Nicholas Swallow, who was later stopped by police and found with two compressed bricks of cocaine totaling 2kg.

Hammond was arrested near his Port Melbourne home later that day with $12,796 in cash, which prosecutors contend was from cocaine sales. Despite the 2kg seizure, neither Hammond nor Swallow faced a charge for trafficking the full quantity, as police could only prove they knew they possessed 500g of mixed substances.

Defense barrister Dermot Dann KC told the court that Hammond was "in the middle" of a drug deal on a single day, objecting to the term "delegate" used by the prosecution. The court heard that Hammond's family has a long history in the Goulburn Valley region. His father was a volunteer firefighter and Lions Club member for over 50 years. The family sold their farm approximately 20 years ago, a transition that marked a shift in Hammond's life direction. He had previously worked in promotions and event management, establishing the Red Scooter function center in Balaclava, which he ran for 25 years.

Hammond met his partner, Nedra Kriekenbeek, about 25 years ago. The couple moved to Nagambie and operated the Jetty Complex before Hammond built the Hide & Seek Retreat. The retreat has become a significant tourist destination offering accommodation and water sports. Hammond has called on friends to help maintain the business during his custody.

Hammond's drug use reportedly worsened over the years, contributing to the "terrible decision" that has put his family in a precarious position. Supporters, including his partner, children, and parents, were present in court. References submitted to the court described Hammond as a devoted father and a helpful community member. His partner, Nedra, acknowledged the harm caused by his offending in a letter to the court. Hammond was remanded to face court at a later date. Swallow is scheduled for a pre-sentence hearing, while D'Aloia is set to face trial in February.