Drug imported

A Russian national arrested at Christchurch Airport 10 months ago has admitted importing 5 kilograms of the class B drug ecstasy into New Zealand in a suitcase. Christchurch District Court Judge Raoul Neave accepted the guilty plea from Vladimir Turovsky, a 33-year-old dive shop owner, 10 days before his jury trial was due to begin. At the time of the arrest in April 2017, the drugs were said to have a street value of about $2 million. Turovsky has been in custody since his arrest and was further remanded in custody for sentencing on February 28. Two other people were arrested and charged with importing and possession of the drug for supply. They have pleaded not guilty and their trial is scheduled for February 19.

Fatal tanker collision

Two people died after crash in Northland yesterday about midday. Police said there had been a crash between a petrol tanker and another vehicle at the intersection of Rama Rd and Marsden Point Rd (SH15A), southeast of Whangarei.

Death on Otira road

One person died and another was flown to hospital with serious injuries following a crash on the West Coast’s Otira Highway. Emergency services were called to the crash on State Highway 73, between Jacksons and Hohunu, about 4pm on Thursday.

Pinball champion

Eight regional finalists went head to head in the national finals of the Mac’s Interstate Pinball Competition in Auckland on Thursday, with Dave Peck from Pukekohe crowned the most talented pinball player in New Zealand. Peck won a trip for two to Pittsburgh, in the United States, where he will go up against some of the most talented pinballers in the world at the Pinburgh Pinball Matchplay Championship in July. Peck has already competed in about 100 competitions worldwide and has one of the largest private collections of pinball machines in the world.