Couple on drugs charges after six months on run

Jian Zhong Xie (left) and Hong Quin Huang

The hunt for a Chinese couple who allegedly imported enough drugs to make up to $15 million worth of methamphetamine has ended.

Jian Zhong Xie (also known as Michael) and Hong Quin Huang have been found at an Auckland house after nearly six months on the run.

They are in custody after an appearance in the Manukau District Court, during which a bail application was declined.

Pictures of the couple appeared on the front page of the Herald in February after police went public in the hunt for them.

At the time police feared they would try to flee New Zealand as they had failed to appear in court on drug-related charges.

Xie and Huang were first arrested in December when police allegedly discovered pseudoephedrine products and blank credit cards under their Auckland house. They appeared in court but were released on bail.

Police say Xie, 36, breached his bail conditions in January when he was allegedly caught importing more pseudoephedrine. When police went to arrest him on the breach of bail they were unable to find him. His wife, 34, vanished a month later.

The couple were reportedly seen in the Bay of Plenty but police were unable to find them. They were finally caught in Pakuranga on Saturday.

Police said they were unable to discuss the details as the pair were now back before the courts. But they thanked members of the public who had provided information.

They face numerous charges, including importing enough pseudoephedrine to make $15 million worth of methamphetamine and breaching their bail. They are due to reappear next week.