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.
The High Court at Auckland.
Photo: RNZ / Simon Rogers
Ryszard Wilk, Patryk Lukasik and Aleksandr Cherushev are on trial at the High Court in Auckland for importing and dealing 4kg of cocaine in 2016 and 2017.
The three men allegedly shipped and dealt the drug in New Zealand. They deny all seven charges against them.
Detective Mark Pickles, who has been involved in the police investigation into the men over the last four years - dubbed Operation Moa - gave evidence today.
The investigation had previously found a note linked to Wilk s son, Ralph, who has already pleaded guilty to supplying cocaine. The note referenced Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park. Police visited but did not find anything of interest. Pickles said that area was too broad (the park is 49 acres) so they needed to narrow it down.
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