A man has been been sentenced to more than nine years in prison for importing $3.5 million worth of P into New Zealand.
Man Yui Cho, 24, appeared in the Manukau District Court this morning with a translator, telling the judge he was ashamed and didn't want his family inHong King to know about his "mistake".
Judge Philip Recordon sentenced him to nine years and three months in jail, taking time off a starting sentence of 13 years, three months, because of Cho's important, but lower level role in the sophisticated international drug ring, and his previous good character.
Cho was approached in Hong Kong, and offered $6000 to fly to New Zealand, live in an apartment and receive packages of methamphetamine, the court was told.
The drugs were sent a liquid form, disguised as skin care products.
Cho's lawyer said his client's poverty made him vulnerable, and he was taken advantage of by the brains of the operation.
No minimum prison term was given, and Judge Recordon said it was likely Cho would serve around 40 per cent of his sentence before being deported to Hong Kong.
A number of other people involved are facing serious drugs charges.
