Northland meth bust: defendants plead not guilty

(NZ Police)
(NZ Police)

Three men have pleaded not guilty to charges relating to a massive methamphetamine bust in Northland in June.

At Kaitaia District Court, the defendants denied importing and supplying a class A drug, and have had their interim name suppression extended.

The $450 million haul - the biggest bust in New Zealand history - was seized after an abandoned boat was found on Ninety Mile Beach, near Kaitaia.

There have been seven arrests so far. Four other people have yet to make court appearances.

One man is also charged with money laundering and participating in an organised criminal group. He bought two boats worth $140,000 which were allegedly used to transport the methamphetamine.

The public gallery in the Kaitaia district court was crowded with family members of the three defendants.

Many family members cried and waved to the men in the dock, while the men waved back, laughed and joked between each other.

Newshub.