22 Dec 2012

Drug ring kingpin jailed

9:50 am on 22 December 2012

A man described as the kingpin of a Wellington methamphetamine supply ring has been jailed for six years and ordered to serve at least three years of that term.

Robert Taui, 39, was sentenced in the Wellington District Court on Friday on eight charges including supplying methamphetamine and conspiracy to supply the drug.

Police intercepted communications between Robert Taui and others earlier this year and said that in a little over a month he was involved in supplying methamphetamine valued at $30,000 - $50,000.

Taui's lawyer said his client was remorseful and a drug and alcohol report showed he wanted to abstain from drugs and avoid further offending.

Judge Bruce Davidson said while Taui had overcome an addiction to alcohol and softer drugs he continued to struggle with his addiction to methamphetamine.