Maternity ward drug dealer jailed

A Southland man who dealt drugs at the maternity ward where his partner was giving birth has been jailed for more than four years.

Regan Mathew Tuhakaraina, 22, pleaded guilty to 238 drugs charges relating to dealing and possessing cannabis and LSD when he appeared in the High Court in Invercargill yesterday, the Southland Times reported.

Crown prosecutor Michael Morris said Tuhakaraina had received 250 text messages relating to LSD and cannabis in November.

One of which Tuhakaraina had replied to saying "come to the hospital maternity ward".

Justice Lang said it was not a good look to be dealing in the maternity ward.

He sentenced Tuhakaraina to four years and four month's jail.

"You must now sit in prison when you would ordinarily be taking care of your child and partner and that's of tremendous sadness."

- NZPA