Several charged fail to appear in court

A judge has issued arrest warrants for several people who have failed to appear in court for the start of a major drugs trial in Hamilton.

A total of 15 face a raft of charges linked to Operation Kiwi, a three-month police investigation that terminated with numerous arrests in 2003.

Warrants have been issued for five people.

A sixth defendant failed to front up as well, with his lawyer saying he was sick.

The accused are charged with conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and heroin.

Some also face firearms charges.

The trial was due to begin today, but the High Court judge has put it on hold for a week.

- NEWSTALK ZB