His lawyer Ron Mansfield says he is fighting for his client s immediate release. “He should not spend a day longer in custody. It’s their fault he has become an overstayer but all he wants is to see his wife and daughter.” He said Cherushev had been “broken” by the process and any delay in getting him home to Russia would be further punishment.
David White/Stuff
Aleksandr Cherushev has been found not guilty of importing and supplying cocaine. On Monday, a jury cleared Cherushev and found Lukasik and Wilk guilty, following over five hours of deliberations over two days.
Edward Gay13:01, May 06 2021
David White/Stuff
Aleksandr Cherushev, left, Ryszard Wilk, middle, and Patryk Lukasz Lukasik, right, with translators in the dock at the High Court in Auckland (composite image).
A man accused of importing cocaine was actually involved in importing bananas, his lawyer says.
Aleksandr Cherushev, Patryk Lukasz Lukasik and Ryszard Wilk are on trial in the High Court in Auckland, where they have denied charges including importing and supplying cocaine, conspiracy to supply and money laundering.
Crown prosecutor Brian Dickey alleged Cherushev, a Russian sailor, brought 4kg of cocaine to New Zealand while working on the international container ship Discovery Bay in 2016.
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.