KEY POINTS:
The sentencing of two Chinese nationals in relation to an $8 million methamphetamine bust was put off yesterday because of a disagreement between the Crown and defence lawyers.
Chun Yu Ng, 24, and Xiaohui Huang, 26, were linked to one of the biggest drug seizures in New Zealand history.
After a trial in April both were found guilty of possession of methamphetamine for supply and conspiracy to supply.
Ng was found not guilty to being a party to importing the drug.
The pair were due to be sentenced yesterday, but the Crown and defence disagreed over the extent of any assistance Huang gave to police, a factor Justice Denis Clifford will take into account when passing sentence.
Huang's lawyer, Chris Comeskey, said his client should be given significant credit for her co-operation with police.
But Crown prosecutor Kenneth Stone said Huang had given no material assistance to the police.
She was shown a picture and confirmed the first name of the person in it, but when given the opportunity the provide further information did not.
Mr Comeskey said Huang's assistance allowed police to investigate and charge that person, who now faced charges on unrelated matters.
Justice Clifford said a disputed-facts hearing would need to be held so he could hear evidence from the police involved in the case.
The matter was adjourned for another date to be set for sentencing.
Ng and Huang were arrested last year after customs officials intercepted a courier parcel from China at Auckland Airport. The parcel had 8.193kg of methamphetamine hidden inside water filters.
Police replaced most of the drug with a harmless white powder.
After a disguised customs officer delivered the package to Ng, he passed it on to Huang, who was arrested. The drugs were found in Huang's hotel room.
- NZPA
