A Coromandel man who helped make up to $4 million worth of pure methamphetamine has been sentenced to 18 years' jail, while police continue the hunt for his co-accused.
Scott Warren Filer, 56, of Waihi, was handed down the sentence at the High Court in Auckland on Tuesday afternoon following a month-long trial.
Detective Sergeant Glenn Tinsley says lengthy police surveillance led to Filer's conviction.
"An electronic surveillance investigation began in November 2009 and was followed by an in-depth inquiry over March-April 2010."
Investigations found Filer had aided in the manufacture of up to 4kg of pure methamphetamine or P, worth up to $4 million.
Filer was sentenced to 18 years' imprisonment for two charges of manufacturing the drug but this was reduced by eight months as he had served this on electronic bail.
He was also sentenced to five years' jail for conspiracy to manufacture and possession for supply, four years for possession for supply for drugs found on him when he was arrested, three years for offering to supply and two years for supply relating to one of his customers.
All of these lesser charges are to be served concurrently with the 18 year sentence.
Det Sgt Tinsley says investigations into the case uncovered organised crime in Auckland and Asian-based criminals who provided Filer with manufacturing materials.
Det Sgt Tinsley says police are looking for Steven John Mehrtens, 56, of Whangamata in the Coromandel, who is alleged to have assisted Filer in manufacturing the P.
Mehrtens is a Caucasian male about 177cm tall of medium build with a distinctive large lump or growth on the right side of his neck.
News home