Doctor supplied drugs to make P, court told

The trial of a 55-year-old Auckland cardiologist, charged with supplying Telfast tablets for the manufacture of methamphetamine - also known as P, began in Auckland District Court today.

Xiao-Zhong Chen pleaded not guilty to seven charges of supplying pseudoephedrine, a precursor substance found in Telfast, between November 20, 2003, and August 30, 2004.

Earlier a co-accused pleaded guilty to a charge of permitting a premises to be used for the misuse of drugs.

Judge Fred McElrea sentenced him to 250 hours of community work.

The jury trial is expected to last for seven days.

- NZPA