Drugs rip-off behind missing man's death

By LOUISA CLEAVE police reporter

A man who disappeared six months ago was involved in a drug rip-off that probably led to his killing.

Wayne Henderson, 50, went missing from Onewhero, south of Auckland, on August 31 and police are certain of foul play.

But key questions remain, including who is responsible for Mr Henderson's death and the location of his body.

Detective Inspector Steve Rutherford said Mr Henderson met his death through connections with the criminal underworld and drug associations.

Mr Rutherford said Mr Henderson had an "indirect association" with a drug rip-off involving cannabis and ecstasy.

Mr Henderson - who used cannabis and pure methamphetamine, or P, and was known to his close friends as "Mad Wayne" - ended up with some of the proceeds from the rip-off and "was held accountable in the criminal underworld", he said.

"Others were involved [in the deal] primarily and he was involved indirectly," said Mr Rutherford. "People known to him were involved and he got a percentage of the proceeds, and used and sold those to illegally obtain drugs.

"It seems more than likely he was unable to repay those that held him accountable, and it would not surprise me if that is the motive for his disappearance."

However, Mr Rutherford said police also considered other possibilities, including a "very volatile" relationship with a former partner.

The drug deal and the former relationship featured "parts that inter-related".

The police inquiry had pieced together Mr Henderson's lifestyle, which was "like coming to a junction and there are many roads veering off it".

The father of two adult children had lived in Onewhero for between 15 and 18 years, but was in the process of selling his house when he disappeared.

Mr Henderson had heart problems and was wearing a black "Moon Boot", or removable cast, at the time. His car was found at home, but because of his health problems police believe he was taken from the address in a vehicle rather than walking any great distance.

Mr Henderson was close to his elderly mother, Pat, and would often ring and visit. Mr Rutherford said Mrs Henderson was realistic about what had happened to her son, but still wanted answers.

He urged anyone with information but who might fear criminal associates to make contact with police and see if "we can't come to some arrangements".

A reward has not been offered, but money is available from a police fund to pay for information that gains results.

Information can be passed on to Mr Rutherford on (09) 259-0652 or Detective Sergeant Dave French of Pukekohe police on (09) 237-1700.

* A 21-year-old woman charged with stealing property belonging to Mr Henderson was offered diversion when she appeared in the Pukekohe District Court in January.

Mr Rutherford said she was arrested acting on a complaint laid by Mr Henderson before he disappeared.