Notorious drug-trafficker linked to Mr Asia syndicate dies in prison

New Zealand's most notorious drug-trafficker, Wayne David Beri, died in his cell at Christchurch Prison yesterday of a suspected heart attack.

Beri, 58, spent 25 of his past 27 years behind bars.

Corrections Department regional manager Paul Monk said there were no initial suspicious circumstances but the death would be investigated by the coroner.

Last May, Beri had his latest 10-year sentence, for his part in a conspiracy to supply morphine, reduced to eight years.

Before his appeal hearing, he said he got involved selling drugs in the 1970s when he met international drug dealer Alexander Sinclair, also known as Terry Clark of Mr Asia notoriety.

Beri was jailed for 13 years in 1976 for importing heroin, and later served a life sentence on drugs charges.

A pattern developed of him facing new charges almost as soon as he was released on parole.

In 1996, Beri received a further four years' jail for conspiring to commit aggravated robbery, having been nabbed by a police bugging operation while on work release.

But some of Beri's older, and mostly long-lost, acquaintances remembered a cheerful personality and potentially outstanding sportsman who wasted a promising life.

"Wayne could have played for the Kiwis. He had a natural eye for a bounce, and great timing," said Peter Smith, who played alongside and coached Beri at rugby league and employed him as a barman at the Hotel Embassy in Christchurch.

Beri was a member of a prominent sporting family. His father, Zac, represented Canterbury at both rugby codes. Elder brother Neil went close to Kiwis selection.

Mr Smith said Wayne Beri excelled as a footballer and cricketer at Xavier College.

"The Wayne I knew before he got into trouble was a fellow I would have in my side any time."

Nor could Beri be faulted as an employee. A non-smoker and non-drinker, he was popular with the public bar patrons. He did a spot of illegal bookmaking, something that was then very much a part of New Zealand's pub culture.

Mr Smith said Beri's involvement in the drugs scene began after he finished playing league.

"If he had been involved with drugs when he was playing football we would have known, and perhaps could have advised him," he said.

"When he got into trouble the first time we were flabbergasted, but we thought anyone deserves another chance. When he got caught again the whole club just had to say, 'sorry, we're out of that'.

"It was a shame. He had so much talent."

- NZPA