Irishman gets 16 years in New Zealand over drugs

An Irishman has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for his role in importing almost €2.4m worth of methamphetamine into New Zealand.

Michael O’Connor, aged 50, had been arrested in the Netherlands in 2013 before being extradited to New Zealand in April 2014 to face charges in relation to the importation of 4.3kg of methamphetamine in 2012.

It emerged in court O’Connor was part of a “large-scale and sophisticated” international drug importation ring. He did not touch the drugs but would remotely, from the Netherlands, monitor its importation and shipment to New Zealand.

However, customs intercepted the drugs in the possession a Brazilian man employed as a “catcher” to bring the drugs to a third party. The Brazilian was detained and agreed to help police, giving details about the “Europe guy” involved in the shipment.

Yesterday at Auckland High Court, Justice Simon Moore sentenced O’Connor to 16 years in jail. He must serve a minimum non-parole period of eight years.

“I am not persuaded that the remorse you have exhibited and your rehabilitative efforts are outside the range which one routinely encounters in this area,” the judge said. “As you will be aware, this drug has been responsible for an incalculable level of harm in New Zealand over the last decade or so.”