Japanese couple jailed over P bust

A Japanese couple involved in smuggling nearly 6kg of methamphetamine into New Zealand were today jailed for today jailed for 7-1/2 years.

Takako and Kazuhiko Takiguchi were sentenced in the High Court in Auckland after earlier admitting two charges of importing methamphetamine, also known as P, and one of conspiracy to import methamphetamine.

Justice Aisla Duffy said they must serve a minimum non-parole period three years nine months.

Justice Duffy said the Takiguchis had twice acted as drug couriers, bringing in 2kg of methamphetamine into New Zealand.

They were not detected on the first occasion, in September 2009, but were caught by customs at Auckland Airport two months later.

They also recruited two other Japanese nationals, who had already been sentenced, to import a similar amount of methamphetamine.

Justice Duffy told the Takiguchis a starting point of 16 years jail was appropriate for the offences.

But they were given a one year discount for their previous good record and the difficulties faced by foreigners in New Zealand prisons.

They were given a further discount of one-third for their early guilty pleas and a further discount for special circumstances which cannot be reported.

- NZPA