Former drug dealer credits arrest with recovery from addiction
Leba Anthony Awad, 55, credits his arrest for dealing drugs worth $17,040 with helping him quit addiction.
Awad was caught with meth, cannabis and MDMA worth $17,040, along with scales and clip-seal bags. Awad had pleaded guilty to trafficking.
The ACT Supreme Court sentenced him to nearly 300 days in jail. Awad had already served that time and was released into residential rehab.
The judge noted Awad took full responsibility, was gripped by addiction at the time, and had since undertaken counselling and a diploma course. Awad told the court he was grateful the arrest forced him to address his addiction and poor choices.
The judge said he had made significant progress on his personal recovery and needed no good behaviour order.
- 55
- Age
- $17,040
- Total drug value
- nearly 300 days
- Sentence length
- 27 January 2025
- Arrest date
Why it mattersIt shows how interaction with the justice system can sometimes become a turning point when someone is struggling with addiction, rather than a purely punitive outcome.
AustraliaAwad's case illustrates the challenge courts and communities face balancing accountability with opportunity for genuine rehabilitation in ACT drug cases.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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