A Russian national has today admitted trying to smuggle 5kg of ecstasy, with a rough street value of $2 million, into New Zealand hidden in a suitcase.
Vladimir Turovsky, a 33-year-old dive shop owner, pleaded guilty at Christchurch District Court today to importing MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy. A charge of possession to supply the drug was dropped.
The charge states that the powdered drug was found in a Samsonite suitcase at Christchurch International Airport on April 6 last year.
Judge Raoul Neave remanded Turovsky in custody to be sentenced on February 28.
Two other people will stand trial later this month.
