SEVERAL drug dealers at the centre of a Tamworth cannabis ring have pleaded guilty in court.
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With the help of a Vietnamese interpreter, Van Hieu Vu and Quang Thang Bui both pleaded guilty in Tamworth Local Court to cannabis supply - Vu to a commercial quantity and Bui to an indictable amount.
The men were caught by undercover police sting, Strike Force Boikanumba, that saw several men arrested in February last year. Both Vu and Bui will face the district court in March for sentencing.
Strike Force Boikanumba saw raids on homes in Quipolly, Caroona, Westdale and Oxley Vale, and several arrested in Tamworth and Freeman's Waterhole near the Central Coast.
Dean Farrant, 46, pleaded guilty to supplying more than 20kg of cannabis, more than an indictable quantity of methamphetamine and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime in Tamworth Local Court, last year.
He is being held in Lithgow Correctional Centre but was a no-show in Tamworth District Court on Friday.
"My understanding was the accused was to be arraigned today," Judge Jeffery McLennan said.
"Should we mention it next Friday?"
Farrant was formally refused bail and will appear in the same court again later this month.
Co-accused Paul Andrew Allan was arrested with Farrant by police, he appeared in court on Friday with defence solicitor Garry Johnston.
"This is a matter where I've taken it up and been provided with a large brief on Wednesday," Mr Johnston said.
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"The long and the short of it is I'm seeking an adjournment to March 29 for arraignment."
Allan faces six drug dealing charges including supplying more than a commercial quantity of drugs, and knowingly deal with the proceeds of crime.
Judge McLennan granted the request to give Allan's lawyer more time and allowed Allan to remain on bail.
Two other co-accused also appeared in local court on Wednesday.
Noel Allan pleaded guilty to the supply of more than an indictable quantity of cannabis but will argue against police facts on the amount supplied, he faces district court in March.
Brett Allan's solicitor is still in discussions with the DPP and his case has been adjourned to February.