The first two of 10 people arrested in a major drugs bust in October have been sentenced.
Jeavon Jamie Rapata-Brookland (pictured), 27, builder, of Arthurs Point admitted two charges of supplying ecstasy after a search warrant was executed at his address on October 26.
In Queenstown’s court on Monday, Judge Russell Walker sentenced him to four months’ community detention and 12 months’ supervision.
A woman, who has permanent name suppression, admitted one charge of supplying ecstasy — she’s been given 125 hours’ community work.
Following a four-month police investigation, sparked by the discovery of a French-themed Facebook group page named ‘Les Branleurs en
Nouvelle Zelande’, or ‘Wankers in New Zealand’, nine search warrants were carried out in Queenstown, Wānaka and Roxburgh.
That netted cocaine, ecstasy, LSD, cannabis and about $10,000 cash.
Other convictions
● David Ian Covell, 29, tow truck driver, of Australia, drink-driving (510mcg), Kawarau Road, January 27, Queenstown, fined $500, disqualified six months.
● Kyle Jay Paul Kenny, 30, of Sydney, intentional damage, January 27, Queenstown, reparation $5466.59.
● Colin Stuart Koberstein, 59, builder, of Arrowtown, aggravated drink-driving (663mcg), Centennial Avenue, December 17, fined $650, disqualified 12 months.
● Jed Hutchinson, 21, retailer, of Wānaka, possessing cannabis for supply, January 1-April 5 last year; possessing cannabis for supply, June 1-August 20; possessing LSD, possessing cannabis for supply, October 27, three months’ community detention, 12 months’ supervision, order for forfeiture of $1140 cash.
● Jason Robert Wills, 39, fisherman, of Picton, possessing cannabis, September 9, Queenstown; assaulting a police officer, October 6, Queenstown, 80 hours’ community work, 12 months’ supervision.
● Craig Whittaker, 40, builder, of Closeburn, disqualified driving (two charges), December 17, Queenstown, fined $900, disqualified six months.
● Tony Neil Coulter, 38, mechanic, of Queenstown, possessing a weapon (knife), December 26, Queenstown, 50 hours’ community work.
