Meth raid in Whanganui revealed 19.3kg of meth was produced in a laboratory built in a remote woolshed

On February 27, 2023, a group of men used a clandestine laboratory to produce at least 19.3kg of meth, as well as 7 liters of meth oil, at a woolshed on a remote property on the Whanganui River Road, 50km north of Whanganui.

The group attending included Wayne Malcolm, Hurinuku Malcolm, Frank Rickard and Graham.

On March 1, while the defendants were packing up their vehicles, the police raided the woolshed.

Graham escaped from police and jumped into the Whanganui River and swam to the opposite shore.

A police dog and handler were sent after him and he was soon found hiding in a nearby stream.

During the arrest, Hurinuku Malcolm also threw the backpack he was carrying into the Whanganui River.

It was later seized by police and found to contain another 81 grams of meth.

During the investigation at the scene surrounding the vehicles, the police discovered 19 self-closing plastic bags containing between 500 grams and 2 kg of meth.

At least the 19.3 kg of meth had a wholesale value of over $3.5 million.

The police investigation was part of Operation Gallium, a widespread police investigation targeting the production and supply of meth in the Waikato region.

By 2022, the Waikato Organized Crime Squad had begun intercepting private communications between Wayne Malcolm and Graham, identifying associates.

The court heard police appointed Graham to be in charge of the operation.

During the investigation, it was revealed that Graham’s associates performed supporting roles such as storing and transporting supplies, equipment and meth to cooking sites, providing services such as cooking sites, protection and financing.

Judge Justin Marinovich said Graham was an “intelligent man” who fully understood the situation he found himself in.

He said Graham’s long-time addiction to meth and the wealth and easy money he gained from selling it were too tempting to ignore throughout his life.

Judge Marinovich said the meth bust “attracted significant local attention” and that the amount of meth produced would have an impact on the community.

“Whanganui is devastated by meth use; the drug is found in every profession, trade and almost every crime that comes to court,” Judge Marinovich said.

“Meth crimes cannot be tolerated in this community.”

Defense lawyer Mark Ryan said the amount of meth involved “cannot be classed as a significant commercial enterprise when we see 500kg being imported into the country on a regular basis”.

Defense lawyer says ‘Tough day for Malcolm family’

In court, a tearful grandmother asked Judge Marinovich to take into account the possibility of rehabilitation of her grandson in the sentencing decision.

Wayne Malcolm appeared in Whanganui District Court on October 10, the same day as his nephew Hurinuku Malcolm, with both men facing a number of charges relating to the meth bust.

They both appeared in front of a public gallery.

Hurinuku Malcolm was sentenced to five years, one month and two weeks in prison after admitting seven charges, including producing methamphetamine, possessing methamphetamine for the purpose of supply and participating in an organized crime group.

His grandmother shed tears as she talked about keeping Hurinuku Malcolm connected with his children.

Hurinuku spoke of her desire to help Malcolm obtain accommodation, education and qualifications following his release.

“I can provide Hurinuku with adequate community-based rehabilitation and everything he needs for successful reintegration.”

Judge Marinovich congratulated the grandmother for having the courage to stand up in the courtroom and speak on behalf of her whānau.

“I certainly can’t forget his words, nor can I forget the passion or sadness of seeing you sitting in the position you are in.”

Wayne Malcolm sentenced to five years, five months and two weeks in prison After admitting three charges including producing methamphetamine, possessing methamphetamine with intent to supply and participating in an organized crime group.

Defense lawyer Emma Priest said Wayne Malcolm had spent the last 18 months building a better life while awaiting sentencing.

“This is a difficult day for the Malcolm family,” Priest said.

During this time, Wayne Malcolm reconnected with his 83-year-old father, who wrote a letter to the court in support of his son.

Judge Marinovich said it was one of the best letters he had read in “a long, long time.”

“You hope that such an experience, as much as possible, will end it for future generations.”

Rickard had been a tenant in that area for about 10 years.

His involvement in production included transporting other members of the group and equipment by boat to the laboratory across the river.

Police observed Rickard coming and going from the laboratory area and removing or burning items. The payment he received from the group would be $4000 per day.

For his part in the operation, Rickard was sentenced to four years in prison in the Whanganui District Court after admitting a charge of producing methamphetamine.

Eva de Jong is a reporter for the Whanganui Chronicle covering health stories and general news. He started reporting in 2023.