27-year meth sentence won't stop the drug's spread - law expert

One of the harshest jail sentences for importing methamphetamine ever handed down will fail to deter some people, a legal expert says.

Selaima Fakaosilea and Stevie Cullen were jailed for 12.5 and 27 years in Whangarei yesterday for their involvement bringing in around 500kg of the drug via Ninety Mile Beach in 2016.

They were found guilty earlier this year on charges of importing methamphetamine and participating in an organised criminal group. 

University of Auckland law professor Mark Henaghan told Newshub even the strongest sentences fail to deter some people.

"As people said in the days when they were hanging people for theft, people were still stealing while they were watching other people being hung for theft.

"It's a reality of the human condition that some people take the risk no matter what."

But he believes the sentence will send a strong message to those considering getting into the drug trade.

"It is the largest sentence ever for a drug offence in New Zealand. So people realise that if they're going to indulge in dealing in meth in any way or importing materials for meth, they are going to be sentenced to the highest level the courts can go."

The group used a boat to bring the nearly 500kg of meth to shore from Ninety Mile Beach in 2016. They told members of the local community they were launching the boat from the beach to spread a relative's ashes.

Initial attempts failed and damaged the boat beyond repair, so they bought another one for $98,000 cash and succeeded in getting the drugs, worth up to $150 million, to shore.

Police found most of the meth packed into suitcases inside a caravan, although 50kg was buried at the beach.

Prof Henaghan said meth addiction is a powerful force and it's spreading across the country.

"There are meth trials going on all over the country and I think it's become an absolute scourge sadly.

"It seems to be available everywhere and it's causing great havoc to people's lives and it's causing great havoc to whole communities."

Newshub.