Treasure map to cocaine found in secret codes, Bastion Point Russian sailor case hears
27 Apr, 2021 12:15 AM
3 minutes to read
Russian sailor Aleksandr Cherushev was arrested in 2019 but has denied importing cocaine. Photo / Supplied
Detectives found what might be a modern-day treasure map in an encrypted messaging service after the son of an alleged cocaine importer was arrested.
But instead of digging up gold or silver bullion, police found garbage bags and a cocaine-riddled vitamin bottle, the High Court at Auckland heard today.
Ryszard Wilk, brought back to New Zealand in 2019 to face charges, has pleaded not guilty. Photo / Interpol
Two Polish men and a Russian sailor have pleaded not guilty to a raft of drug charges at the High Court in Auckland, and went on trial last week.
Accused cocaine supplier busted with $70,000 at airport, jury hears
23 Apr, 2021 04:16 AM
3 minutes to read
Polish man Ryszard Wilk was brought back to New Zealand in 2019 to face drugs and money laundering charges. Photo / Interpol
Polish man Ryszard Wilk was brought back to New Zealand in 2019 to face drugs and money laundering charges. Photo / Interpol
Cash amounting to $70,000 scattered throughout the luggage of an accused cocaine supplier was seized by a Customs officer as the man tried to flee New Zealand, a jury has heard.
Ryszard Wilk is one of three men on trial at the High Court in Auckland charged with importation of 4kg of the class A drug in 2016, as part of an alleged international drug syndicate.
You are a genetic mistake : Russian sailor, Bastion Pt cocaine case hears angry messages
22 Apr, 2021 03:47 AM
4 minutes to read
Ryszard Wilk, brought back to New Zealand in 2019 to face charges, complained of other people constantly pestering him for money. Photo / Interpol
Ryszard Wilk, brought back to New Zealand in 2019 to face charges, complained of other people constantly pestering him for money. Photo / Interpol
A murky cast of characters including entities named Ginger, Baldie, J23 and Seraphim featured in the Bastion Point cocaine trial today.
But what did seem clear at the High Court in Auckland was how dread and anger set in as some involved in the alleged drug ring complained of theft and treachery.