Hutt Valley methamphetamine trial

The story so far

Police charged a 45-year-old truck driver after allegedly finding 11kg of methamphetamine and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash during Operation Elusive in Lower Hutt.^{10, 18 Feb 2025} The searches covered a vehicle, a phone and a rented room.^{10 Feb 2025} At trial, prosecutors described the evidence as overwhelming, while the defence argued that police failed to follow their own procedures.^{17 Feb 2025} A jury later found the man guilty on multiple drug charges, after more than $600,000 in cash was found in his rented room.^{18 Feb 2025} Separately, the national president of the Mongrel Mob Barbarians was sentenced to eight years and eight months in prison for supplying methamphetamine and synthetic cannabis, and police found $68,000 in a luxury handbag during that investigation.^{21 Feb 2025}

Key moments

1. 10 Feb 2025Police allege major Lower Hutt drug operation; 11kg of methamphetamine and cash found.
2. 17 Feb 2025Jury asked to decide whether the case is proven beyond reasonable doubt.
3. 18 Feb 2025Man found guilty on multiple drug charges after Hutt Valley room search.
4. 21 Feb 2025Mongrel Mob national president sentenced to eight years eight months in prison.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.