Ruben Flutey, 34, was sentenced to 10 years and five months in prison at the Wellington District Court in October 2026.[1] He was convicted on 18 charges, including importing and supplying methamphetamine and participating in organised crime.[2] The charges also included supplying cannabis, ecstasy and ketamine.[1] Police called him a pivotal player in the Wairarapa organised drug supply chain.[3]

His arrest followed an investigation by the Wairarapa CIB into methamphetamine distribution between March 2023 and December 2024.[1] Detective Senior Sergeant Phil Skoglund said the network supplied millions of dollars’ worth of methamphetamine across the country.[1] Police seized nearly $200,000 worth of assets in a series of search warrants, including drugs, cash, a classic car, motorbikes and jet skis.[1] Four of Flutey’s associates had also been sentenced, while another four were due in court in November and December.[2]

Skoglund said the investigation and sentencing were a ‘major blow’ to organised crime in the Wairarapa region.[1] “Methamphetamine, and organised crime, contributes significant harm to our communities and destroys families,” he said.[1] He said there was no place in the region or country for behaviour like this and that offenders would be held to account.[1]