TURNING INFORMANT HALVES DRUG DEALER'S SENTENCE

A Sydney drug dealer turned informant has been sentenced to eight years in
prison on three major drug supply charges.

However, 45-year-old Vince Caccamo could be free in less than five years.

District Court Judge Shillington said Caccamo was a major operator who had
been involved in the wholesaling of heroin on Sydney's northern beaches for
a long time.

He said Caccamo had been protected by two corrupt detectives who arrested
him in January 2000 after he paid them $10,000 not to oppose bail.

Caccamo has given evidence against the officers at the Police Integrity
Commission.

Judge Shillington also said Caccamo had made a substantial contribution to
criminal investigations and had undertaken to give evidence in 16 other
matters.

As a result he will serve his sentence in protective custody.

Judge Shillington said if it was not for Caccamo's contrition the sentence
would have been 15 years.

Instead, he will be eligible for parole in September 2006.