Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

Man jailed for importing precursors for $8M worth of ‘P’

15 September 2016


Man jailed for importing precursors for $8M worth of ‘P’

A 32-year-old man was sentenced to 5 years’ imprisonment in the Auckland District Court yesterday for importing over 12 kilograms of pseudoephedrine and ephedrine, precursors to manufacture ‘P’.

Sarawood Aemort, a plasterer from Auckland, was arrested and charged after Customs intercepted a number of packages between December and January, sent from China.

The packages were declared as computer desks, a toning machine, and packaging paper but when examined Customs officers found a total of almost 12 kilograms of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine hidden inside.

This amount of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine has the potential to yield up to 8 kilograms of methamphetamine with a street value of around $8 million.

During a search warrant at Aemort’s home in January, Customs officers found a number of zip lock bags of ephedrine, a set of scales, and bags of cash totalling around $139,000.

Customs Investigations Manager, Maurice O’Brien says criminals are constantly changing the way they conceal drugs in an effort to smuggle them into the country, but these concealments were no challenge for our vigilant officers.

“We have skilled people who know how to find things that look out of the ordinary, and targeting tools in place to identify and stop consignments like these.”

“Drugs are usually hidden in legitimate goods and methods are constantly changing – but Customs continually updates its information and targeting to keep ahead.”

“This result is another good example of our systems at work to identify and prosecute those involved,” says Mr O’Brien.

-ends-

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines


Gordon Campbell: On The US Opposition To Mortgage Interest Deductibility For Landlords


Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don't think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of political capital by giving landlords a huge $2.9 billion tax break via interest deductibility, while still preaching the need for austerity to the disabled, and to everyone else...
More


 
 

Government: Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity... More

ALSO:


Government: GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan

Declining GDP for the December quarter reinforces the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says... More

ALSO:


Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.