An Australian man who helped import more than half a tonne of methamphetamine into New Zealand has been sentenced to 24 years in jail.
Some of the bags of meth recovered during the record seizure. Photo: SUPPLIED/New Zealand Police
Malachi Tuilotolava was part of a group that imported 501kg of the drug, bringing it ashore in a small boat off a remote Northland beach in June last year.
The haul was the largest import of methamphetamine ever discovered in New Zealand, with a street value of between $130 million and $150m.
During sentencing in the High Court in Whangarei today, Justice Downs said the 26-year-old was the leader of the group, present at almost every stage of the logistical operation.
He said Tuilotolava and three others paid $98,000 in cash for a small boat which was later launched from Shipwreck Bay.
Two of Tuilotolava's associates took it 12km out to sea and returned with the drugs, which he helped unload, and transferred the majority of them into a caravan.
Police discovered the drugs the following day after locals reported suspicious activity in the area.
In July, Tuilotolava pleaded guilty to one charge of importing methamphetamine and another of participating in a criminal group.
Justice Downs today sentenced him to 24 years in jail for the methamphetamine charge, and 10 years on the criminal group charge.
He ordered the sentences to be served at the same time, and for a minimum non-parole period of 10-years.