Nepalese student turned to cocaine importation after failing to find IT work
Saturday 3 October 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Court of Appeal
Anurag Maskey, 27, began importing cocaine after being unable to find employment matching his information technology diploma. Maskey arrived in New Zealand as a student in 2018 and worked various unskilled jobs before turning to drug importation.
Key facts
4 facts
- Anurag Maskey's sentence was reduced to five years and seven months
- Maskey imported 1.576kg of cocaine between January and July 2022
- The cocaine was concealed in items like machinery parts and wood samples
- Maskey was living in Mt Eden, Auckland, during the offending
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
The Court of Appeal has reduced the prison sentence of Anurag Maskey, a 27-year-old Nepalese man who imported cocaine. Maskey's sentence was lowered from six years and four months to five years and seven months. The court determined he deserved a greater discount due to the "very human dynamic" involved in his case.
Maskey arrived in New Zealand in May 2018 at age 19 and completed an information technology diploma. After failing to find work in his field and facing financial struggles with a new business, he was targeted by a Nepalese man offering financial support. The Court of Appeal noted it was "reasonable to assume that his financial support for Mr Maskey was part of manipulating him in his drug importation operation".
Between January and July 2022, Maskey assisted in importing 1.576kg of cocaine via six packages from the United Kingdom and Nepal. The drugs were hidden inside items including machinery parts, wood samples, and a motorcycle shock absorber. Maskey's role evolved from a low-level catcher to an organiser who managed consignments and tested purity.
Police discovered 219g of cocaine and electronic scales during a search of his Mt Eden home. Maskey pleaded guilty to five importing charges and will face deportation after completing his prison term.
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald and RNZ.