A multi-million dollar international drug operation has been upended with New Zealand, Australian, and Canadian authorities working together to uncover an elaborate scheme to import methamphetamine hidden in maple syrup.
A former New Zealand sports champion has been charged with importing cocaine and possessing the drug for supply.
The man appeared in Auckland District Court this afternoon on one charge of importing the Class A substance and another charge of possessing it for supply.
Both charges carry a maximum penaltyof life imprisonment.
He is jointly charged with four others who also appeared in the court today.
Katie Harris is an Auckland-based journalist who covers social issues including sexual assault, workplace misconduct, crime and justice. She joined the Herald in 2020.
