A former suburban Melbourne footballer has pleaded guilty to trafficking a large commercial quantity of methamphetamine and other illicit substances. Keahn Jeremaia, 25, admitted his role in a drug trafficking operation during a hearing at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Thursday.
Jeremaia, who operated a concreting business, was arrested on March 26 at a Diamond Creek property where police allege they seized 11 kilograms of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $1.1 million. The seizure also included a money counter and multiple sets of scales.
Police have described the busts of two suspected syndicates, which allegedly trafficked over $6 million worth of drugs throughout Melbourne, as a significant achievement. Investigators from Victoria Police's North West Metro Regional Crime Squad made the arrests within days of each other.
In a separate raid on April 2 at an address in Williams Landing, officers seized approximately 25 kilograms of methamphetamine, 11 kilograms of MDMA, and 11 kilograms of ketamine, along with smaller amounts of cocaine and cannabis. This seizure had an estimated combined street value of $5 million. Additionally, $500,000 in cash, a machete, electronic devices, and steroids were reportedly confiscated.
Jeremaia, who was known for his social media presence showcasing a jet-setting lifestyle, played for the Diamond Creek Football and Netball Club in the Northern Football League. He now faces a potential life sentence. He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at a pre-sentence hearing at the County Court at a later date.
Inspector Geoff Owen of the North West Metro Regional Crime Squad stated in April that the combined seizures of over 35 kilograms of substances represented a major effort by investigators. He emphasized the commitment to pursuing drug traffickers and highlighted the harm caused by drug-fueled crimes. The case involving the Williams Landing arrests is ongoing, with those defendants due to face court again in August.