High-profile sport star pleads not-guilty to meth supply charge

High-profile sport star pleads not-guilty to meth supply charge

A high-profile sports star has denied a charge of possessing methamphetamine for supply.

The man, who has interim name suppression, entered a not-guilty plea during his second appearance in the Manukau District Court on Wednesday morning.

He also faces two extra charges for imported a class A drug, namely methamphetamine. He denies those charges.

The order to keep the professional athlete’s identity a secret was extended by the judge, citing an ongoing police investigation as the reason.

The man was represented by Ron Mansfield when he appeared alongside a 43-year-old man who also denies the same charge.

Both men were arrested last Thursday after police executed a search warrant at an Auckland property.

At the time, police did not rule out further charges or arrests in the case. A third man is due to appear in the Manukau District Court on charges relating to the case.

Supporters for the pair were present in court during the appearance.

The pair have been remanded on bail until they reappear in February next year.