Photo: NZ Customs ServicesA Dunedin duo — featuring a high-flying academic — became entwined in a crime syndicate’s importation of at least $4m of party drugs, a court has heard. Anthony Kane Hawker, 31, appeared in the Dunedin District Court this afternoon where he was jailed for four years after admitting 11 charges. Judge Emma Smith described Laurie as formerly “a man of incredibly good character and disposition”, a reputation which had now been compromised. Consignments containing massive volumes of class-B Ecstasy were intercepted and soon led to police identifying the primary catcher as Hawker. According to court documents, Laurie was enlisted by him to help retrieve the packages but was involved on only three occasions.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 10, 2026 02:12 UTC