Napier man charged with importing Ecstasy and methamphetamine

Two Napier men have appeared in the Hastings District Court after they were arrested for importing methamphetamine valued around $200,000. PHOTO/FILE

A Napier man has appeared in court charged with importing methamphetamine and MDMA, otherwise known as Ecstasy, in Auckland.

David Wayne Wratt, 45, appeared in the Hastings District Court yesterday charged with four counts of importing methamphetamine and five of importing MDMA in Auckland, as well as one of possessing methamphetamine in Napier.

The labourer was arrested on Monday alongside Reece Joseph Puha, 31, who was jointly charged with the single count of possessing methamphetamine in Napier.

The pair were charged with the importation of 236 grams of methamphetamine, valued at about $200,000.

Police announced the charges on Monday after an investigation by the Eastern District Organised Crime Unit and New Zealand Customs.

Detective Senior Sergeant Brent Greville said the investigation into methamphetamine-related offending would continue to be the primary focus of the Eastern District Organised Crime Unit.

"The people that choose to distribute this insidious drug can expect to be put before the courts and be held accountable for the misery they inflict on our society."

The arrests were unrelated to last week's operation in Eastern District, which saw a record methamphetamine bust for Hawke's Bay.

Thirteen individuals were arrested for high-level drug offending after a six-month-long investigation into an organised crime unit.

Three kilograms of methamphetamine, holding a street value of $2.5 million, was seized with $343,000 in cash, 2200 LSD tabs, eight firearms, six upmarket vehicles and a brand new Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Detective Inspector Mike Foster said he was determined to rid the region of the drug.

"It destroys people, it destroys families and it's the catalyst for a lot of crime. In effect, it destroys the community as well."

Yesterday Wratt was remanded in custody without plea and Puha was remanded on bail. Both will appear again on October 11 in the Napier District Court.

Both importing and supplying methamphetamine, a class A drug, carry maximum penalties of life imprisonment under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Mr Greville said anyone with information about drug dealers in the Hawke's Bay region should contact police on 06 8310700 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800555111.