Well-known sportsman pleads not guilty to meth supply charge during Auckland court appearance

The man was arrested last week after a joint operation involving police and customs into meth supply.

A well-known sportsman charged with methamphetamine possession has pleaded not guilty in a brief appearance in court today.

He appeared in the Manukau District Court with another man facing the same charge, aged 43, who has also pleaded not guilty.

Police say both were arrested after a joint investigation by police and customs into meth supply.

The arrests came after a search warrant was launched last Thursday.

Both men face charges of possessing methamphetamine for supply and have been remanded on bail until February 14.

Court documents show the sportsman is also charged with others with importing methamphetamine in September, and then again in October.

And as well as supplying the drug, his co-accused is also facing charges of importing meth twice in July, and again in September.

Police say they are not ruling out further arrests or charges.

The men have been given name suppression by Judge Peter Rollo with support of the police to protect the ongoing investigation.

The judge said the charges were "serious". The court was told a total of four people face charges.

The sportsman is being represented by high profile defence lawyer Ron Mansfield and had many supporters in court.

The maximum penalty for possessing methamphetamine for supply is life imprisonment.

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