Quake contractor yet to plea over cocaine bust

The contents of a suitcase which resulted in 3.7 kg of cocaine being seized by customs officials at Auckland International Airport. Photo / Supplied

Police are pushing for an Earthquake Commission contractor, allegedly caught up in a massive drugs bust, to stand trial with his four co-accused in Auckland.

Wanaka painter Cameron John Lockie has been charged with cocaine smuggling, after police say he tried to bring in more than $1 million of the class A drug through Auckland International Airport from Chile last December 13.

Six days later, the 34-year-old is alleged to have been caught in possession of the cocaine in Christchurch, where he was working on the quake city's rebuild.

He has been charged with importing and possessing cocaine for supply, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

But he did not appear at Christchurch District Court when his case called was today.

His defence counsel Pip Hall told the court that his client instead appeared before a registrar at Queenstown District Court.

Mr Hall told the court that Lockie had his attendance excused today, as the police were continuing "a fairly large operation'' and that disclosure was "by no means complete.''

Judge Brian Callaghan remanded Lockie on bail. He is yet to enter any pleas.

It is expected that a trial will eventually be held in Auckland alongside four other people who have also been charged with importing the class A drug and possession for supply.