Home D big relief for Massive

• Author: Craig Kapitan
• Published date: 23 February 2022
• Publication title: New Zealand Herald, The (Auckland, New Zealand)

Sam James Edmands pleaded guilty in November to participating in an organised criminal group and to refusing to provide the security pin for his mobile phone to police. He had faced up to 10 years’ prison for the organised crime conviction

Edmands was among those arrested in 2020 after an eight-month police investigation, dubbed Operation Mystic, into what prosecutors described as an “extremely large-scale drug importing and distribution syndicate”. Authorities allege more than a tonne of methamphetamine, MDMA, cocaine and ephedrine — valued at about $5 million — were smuggled into New Zealand over a three-year period.

But Edmands played a bit part, and his drug addiction was his main motivation, defence lawyer Philip Hamlin told Justice Sally Fitzgerald yesterday.

“He’s recovered and he’s put himself straight, mostly with the help of three women — his mother, his partner and his daughter.

“He’s mature enough now to recognise he did wrong. His arrest is what put him back on the straight and narrow.”

Authorities said Edmands’ role in the organisation was a “catcher”, allowing packages to be sent to his home that contained “considerable” amounts of cash — and, at least once, drugs — intended for the syndicate’s alleged ringleader.

“In recognition of his contribution to the syndicate, Mr Edmands was provided methamphetamine in amounts of up to an ounce, along with relatively modest sums of cash,” a...