Auckland man jailed for importing drugs

Twenty-three year old Auckland man, Thomas Latu, was sentenced to four and a half years’ imprisonment today for his role in importing over 3.2 kilograms of Contac NT hidden inside tin foil parcels and security cameras.

This amount of Contac NT could have yielded nearly a kilogram methamphetamine or ‘P’ with a street value of up to $1 million.

In February 2013, Customs linked Latu to a number of drug consignments couriered from China. Each contained a tin foil package of Contac NT granules, with one exception – a consignment of security cameras with drugs elaborately concealed inside.

A search warrant at Latu’s home found further evidence of his involvement, and he was arrested after admitting to collecting ‘dodgy’ packages because he was ‘short of cash’. He was to be paid $500 for each package and received additional ‘treats’.

Customs Manager Investigations Maurice O’Brien says this is another example of a catcher enticed with cash and gifts to collect packages for an organised syndicate, and he then moved on to finding new addresses for the drug deliveries.

During sentencing, the judge said the offending involved a well-organised and significant commercial enterprise, describing Latu’s role in the syndicate as far more significant and important than simply a receiver or catcher of the drugs.

“Unfortunately, ‘drug-catching’ can turn into a career path for some young people. There is a lesson in this for those that think there’s easy money to be made – it’s never worth the risk. Organised crime syndicates don’t care about your well-being – don’t throw your life away,” Mr O’Brien says.

“The public is also urged to be wary that criminals operate this way. Don’t allow other people to use your address or accept packages for them unless you are confident of its contents.”

To report any suspicions or concerns, call Customs on 0800 4 CUSTOMS (0800 428 786).

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