NZ Police has welcomed a 10-year sentence handed down to a pivotal player in the Wairarapa organised drug supply chain.
Reuben Flutey, 34, was sentenced to 10 years and five months jail in the Wellington District Court last week.
He faced 18 charges including importing methamphetamine, possession for supply of methamphetamine, participating in organised crime, conspiring to deal methamphetamine, possession for supply of cocaine and supply of methamphetamine, cannabis, ecstasy, and ketamine.
His arrest, and subsequent sentencing, comes after a significant investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine by the Wairarapa CIB between March 2023 and December 2024.
The investigation uncovered Mr Flutey and his network supplied millions of dollars’ worth of the drug across the country. During a series of search warrants into him and his associates, nearly $200,000 worth of assets, including drugs, a classic car, motorbikes, jetskis and cash were seized.
Four of his associates have already been sentenced, while another four will be sentenced in late November and December.
Detective Senior Sergeant Phil Skoglund says the investigation and sentence is a major blow to organised crime in Wairarapa.
“Methamphetamine, and organised crime, contributes significant harm to our communities and destroys families,” he says.
“This result also sends a strong message to those who engage in this type of criminal activity. There is no place in our region, or country, for behaviour like this, and offenders will be held to account.”
