Former Mr New Zealand Justin Rys.
An award-winning bodybuilder jailed for money laundering and importing the class B drug Fantasy is appealing against his 10 1/2-year jail sentence.
Justin Rys pleaded guilty to 11 charges of importing a total of 207 litres of the class B drug gamma-Butyrolactone (also known as GBL, GBH and
rinse) in 98 shipments to New Zealand between October 2003 and December 2004.
He also admitted one charge of money laundering.
At his sentencing in March 2006 he was described as the "mastermind" behind New Zealand's largest Fantasy importation ring.
The drugs, estimated to be worth up to $2.1 million, were smuggled from Romania and Moldova in wine bottles and cans of vegetables sent by international courier to fictitious names.
The movement of the packages was monitored on internet tracking systems.
Rys' lawyer Chris Stevenson told the Court of Appeal yesterday there was now more evidence about Rys' medical condition, including a heart condition, than was put before the sentencing judge.
He said Rys had a limited life expectancy of somewhere between five and 10 years.
The sentencing judge took into account concerns about Rys' health but concluded it was not a matter that could lead to a reduction of sentence, Mr Stevenson said.
"The judge didn't have before him expert material that there was reduced life expectancy."
Mr Stevenson said Rys became addicted to steroids before they became classified.
The drugs assisted him in his bodybuilding.
The fact that Rys was using the drug when it was lawful and readily available must make the case different, Mr Stevenson said.
He rejected Rys' offending being described as sophisticated.
"I don't know that it's much different from ordering a book on Amazon."
However, he acknowledged the use of false names and the use of other people to collect the imported goods.
Crown lawyer Stephanie Edwards said Rys was undertaking a major commercial activity. She said the Crown accepted the sentencing judge did not have the benefit of expert reports that were now in front of the Court of Appeal but said he did have information about Rys' personal circumstances.
A decision has been reserved.
- NZPA
