Teen Sentenced to Four-and-a-Half Years for Methamphetamine Importation

A 19-year-old man from Whangārei, Grayson Erihe-Riwhi, has been sentenced to four years and six months in prison for his involvement in a methamphetamine importation ring. The case came to light after New Zealand Customs intercepted a suspicious package from Spain, which was initially declared as clothing, and was destined for an address in Morningside, Whangārei. Upon inspection, the package was found to contain 941 grams of methamphetamine, cleverly hidden within the foam lining of a backpack. The recipient's name was fake, prompting an investigation that led to the identification of 30-year-old Liam Lomas as one of the occupants of the property.

On June 6, 2024, police executed a controlled delivery using a placebo package embedded with a dye-trap. Around 1:00 PM, Erihe-Riwhi and Lomas arrived at the Morningside address and retrieved the package. A tracking device inside the package alerted authorities, and the pair took the package to a garage at the rear of the property. There, they dismantled the placebo and repacked it into a large plastic container before attempting to return to their vehicle. However, they were intercepted by police. In a desperate attempt to evade capture, Lomas fled to the rear of the property and discarded a Walther pistol and ammunition under the house, as well as a cellphone over the fence. Both men were found with dye on their hands and were subsequently arrested.

Erihe-Riwhi and Lomas were charged with the importation of methamphetamine. In addition to the importation charge, Lomas faced further charges of possession for supply of ecstasy and methamphetamine and was ultimately sentenced to nine years in prison. During Erihe-Riwhi’s sentencing, his defense lawyer, Mathew Ridgley, argued that his client was influenced by a criminal environment and made a 'dumb decision' without fully considering the long-term consequences.

However, Crown lawyer Eilish O'Connor countered that Erihe-Riwhi was not acting impulsively, but rather was actively involved in dismantling and repacking the package, which clearly demonstrated an understanding of the criminal activity. Judge Gene Tomlinson acknowledged that Erihe-Riwhi had been deeply embedded in a criminal background and that, as a 19-year-old, he lacked the maturity to make a different choice. The judge noted that if Erihe-Riwhi had been older and more mature, he would have recognized the decision as 'dumb'.

During the search of the vehicle, authorities discovered $1,900 on Erihe-Riwhi and $50,000 in cash under the passenger seat. The case highlights the organized nature of the criminal network involved in drug importation and the severe consequences of engaging in such activities. Erihe-Riwhi’s upbringing in an environment influenced by gangs and drugs was identified as a contributing factor to his involvement in the criminal activity. The court also acknowledged the broader societal harm caused by such networks, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to combat drug-related crime.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with drug importation and the importance of addressing the underlying social issues that contribute to such criminal behavior. As the legal system continues to take a firm stance against drug-related offenses, the role of community support and early intervention in preventing youth involvement in criminal activities remains crucial.