Hefty fine over abalone racket by Gambling Addict

Hefty fine over abalone racket

A woman fined more than $340,000 for illegally trafficking abalone has told a Hobart court she will help police catch others involved in the black market.

Flora Ou from Bridgewater has been convicted of unlawfully trafficking 420 kilos of abalone with a wholesale value of about $45,000.

The court heard the 32-year-old made about $20,000 from the illegal operation and spent it all on her gambling addiction.

The court heard Ou had been the focus of a lengthy covert police investigation.

On at least two occasions she had illegally bought abalone from an undercover officer and on-sold it to a buyer in Sydney.

Her lawyer told the court Ou had promised police she would help identify and give evidence against others involved in the illegal trade.

Justice Peter Evans said activities such Ou's affected the management and preservation of natural resources.

He sentenced her to six months jail wholly suspended on the condition she be of good behaviour for two years.