More celebrities could be caught in drug bust

Even more New Zealand celebrities could be caught in the white-collar drug syndicate busted this week.

Six men have been charged with drug offences but four others - including two well-known former sportsmen - have been named in court papers though not yet arrested.

Yesterday police revealed that their investigations had thrown up more prominent names.

The celebrities are apparently mentioned in bugged conversations about people who bought drugs, but police say they will not be charged.

However, their identities could be exposed in transcripts of conversations presented at trial.

"There are some other [celebrities] implicated. Their names might be mentioned at a later date," said Detective Sergeant Mark Osbourne, of the Auckland metro drug squad.

"We're going to be giving them a call to let them know their names might be cropping up."

Celebrity agent Andy Haden said people on a "speculation list" should have no concerns if they were not involved in the scandal.

He had no sympathy for those who were involved in the drug scene.

He was aware his name had cropped up in speculation.

"I thought I was a bit boring, but there you go, I might not be as boring as I thought I was."

He said Lana Coc-Kroft was "surprised" to learn her name had been mentioned.

"She said to me that she thinks the drug P would probably kill her because her heart is not in fantastic shape anyway."

Charlotte Dawson had also distanced herself from the drug bust, although she said she had social links to some of those implicated.

"She said, 'Not me'," said Mr Haden.

Mr Osbourne said police had now been in touch with four people, including two former sportsmen, who will be charged with drug offences.

The four were named on charges faced by a 55-year-old company director who police allege is the kingpin.

Police allege the company director and five other men were involved in a white-collar drug ring which supplied cocaine, methamphetamine, Ecstasy and cannabis.

The six men, who have name suppression, are due back in court next month.