By 3 News online staff
The group running a methamphetamine drug ring under the noses of Wellington police has been sent to prison, with the ringleader receiving 17 years.
Police found the clandestine lab at an upscale apartment building on Chews Lane right around the corner from the Wellington central police station in March last year.
Kevin Chea was sentenced in the Wellington High Court this afternoon after previously being found guilty of importing and supplying a Class A drug as well as receiving stolen property, Radio New Zealand reports.
He was sent to prison for 17 years.
Kien Dao was jailed for 15 years on similar charges, while Michael Debreceny, who was found guilty on one charge of importing a Class A drug, was jailed for nine and a half years.
Chea's girlfriend Abby Cummins was sent to prison for three and a half years for possessing methamphetamine.
At the time of the bust, police said they had been watching the group "for some time" and the find was described as "brazen", but not surprising".
3 News
