A Takapuna Grammar student facing a charge of importing a class A drug will not be returning to the school in the near future.
Chun Lee, 17, also known as Larry Lee, appeared in Auckland District Court this week yesterday accused of importing methamphetamine, understood to be valuedat more than quarter of a million dollars.
Lee entered no plea and was remanded on bail to return to court on June 20.
His bail conditions allow him to continue attending the school. But in a statement issued today, principal Simon Lamb confirmed arrangements had been made for Lee to have lessons at home.
Mr Lamb said the decision had been taken in consultation with Lee's family, and with the agreement of the Education Ministry.
The Lee family and Takapuna Grammar School have, in agreement with the Ministry of Education, organised for Chun Lee to be taught at home.
The Year 13 student would have "ongoing and regular access to specialist teachers", Mr Lamb said.
"All parties consider that this is the best way for Chun to continue preparing his Year 13 subjects for the NCEA assessments at the end of the year."
Lee was arrested at his North Shore home on April 27 and first appeared in Auckland District Court the next day.
It is understood he is accused of receiving up to 284 grams of the drug, in a mail scam involving a package or packages, sent from China.
Methamphetamine commands an approximate street price of $1000 a gram, putting the value of the alleged haul at around $284,000.
Police said the operation that saw Lee charged was still underway, and others could be arrested. There is a possibility Lee could face more charges.
Takapuna Grammar principal Simon Lamb earlier told the Herald that Lee would not be returning to school this week "in the best interests of student safety".
