Long wait for drug trial

Nine people accused of being involved in a South American drug smuggling ring face a lengthy wait for trial. They deny almost 100 charges relating to allegations of a criminal group importing cocaine worth millions of dollars into New Zealand. A 10-month police investigation ended in a series of raids and arrests, mainly in Canterbury, last November. In the High Court at Christchurch yesterday, a trial date of April 29, 2024 was confirmed.