PHOTO: This case highlights a major reputational risk for the industry. FILE
🚨 A shocking twist has rocked the real estate industry after an aspiring real estate agent trainee was found guilty of drug supply charges, involving meth concealed inside curry boxes and sold on the dark web.
Harpreet Flora, who had ambitions of securing his real estate licence, appeared in Penrith Local Court last week after pleading guilty to two counts of supplying prohibited drugs.
👮 The Drug Syndicate Operation
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Flora, alongside Mathurshan Sangarathasan and Mayuran Devakumar, was investigated by the NSW Cybercrime Squad between October 2023 – April 2024.
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Detectives went undercover, purchasing 11 drug orders worth more than $9,000 in cryptocurrency.
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The drugs were shipped hidden inside curry boxes – chicken and fish curries laced with 13–27 grams of methamphetamine each.
⚖️ Courtroom Drama
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Magistrate Fiona Toose rejected Flora’s plea for leniency, declaring anything short of prison would be “manifestly inadequate.”
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Flora’s defence argued he only became involved because of his business ties with the co-accused, with whom he had launched a digital marketing agency and a real estate buyer’s agency.
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Despite presenting himself as a family man, the court heard Flora lived a double life, actively participating in the drug network.
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The Crown stressed this was an escalation of offending, noting Flora’s prior drug possession charges from April 2023.
🚫 Real Estate Career in Tatters
Magistrate Toose delivered a blunt reminder:
“You should have thought about your real estate licence before committing these crimes.”
Flora’s sentencing has been adjourned to 25 August.
Meanwhile:
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Sangarathasan, already in custody, has pleaded guilty to major supply charges.
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Devakumar, alleged ringleader, faces 11 charges and remains before the courts.
📰 Why This Matters for Real Estate
This case highlights a major reputational risk for the industry. Regulators are clear: criminal activity disqualifies applicants from holding or maintaining a real estate licence. Aspiring agents are warned — one mistake can end a career before it even begins.