Former NRL star Manu Vatuvei has been jailed for three years and seven months for his role in an ‘unsophisticated’ methamphetamine smuggling syndicate.
The ex-Warriors winger, who is a father of five girls, pleaded guilty to importing the Class A drug into New Zealand back in 2019.
Vatuvei, 35, and his brother Lopini Lautau Mafi, 49, appeared before Judge Jonathan Moses in the Manukau District Court in Auckland on Wednesday — Vatuvei in person and Mafi via audio-video feed.
Mafi was sentenced to seven years and two months’ behind bars.
Defence lawyer Vivienne Feyen told the judge Vatuvei struggled with life purpose after retiring from professional rugby league three years ago.
Former NRL star Manu Vatuvei has been jailed for three years and seven months for his role in an ‘unsophisticated’ methamphetamine smuggling syndicate (pictured, with his wife Jenny)
Defence lawyer Vivienne Feyen told the judge Mr Vatuvei, 35, struggled with life purpose after retiring from professional rugby league three years ago
‘We have a situation where from 2002 upwards to 2017 he’d spent his life in a very structured environment,’ she said.
‘It is apparent that he was ill-equipped to make these fundamental life transitions (after retirement). That goes to the heart of his decision-making process, his reasoning.’
Vatuvei — listed in court documents by his full name, Manu Mapuhola Mafi-Vatuvei — was one of four people arrested in 2019 following a joint investigation by Counties Manukau police and Customs called Operation Clydesdale, according to the New Zealand Herald.
He unsuccessfully fought to have his name suppressed due to his status as ‘one of the biggest names in New Zealand sport’ before he eventually came clean in a Instagram video to his social media followers.
Vatuvei was accused of importing, possessing and supplying methamphetamine in September, October and November of 2019.
The joint investigation saw authorities capture Vatuvei and his brother on video unpacking what initially appeared to be hair ties and other accessories from a package direct from India — before the siblings also removed nine packets of concealed methamphetamine.
The former NRL star’s role in the syndicate was to ‘assist’ with import arrangements.
Judge Jonathan Moses said the behaviour of the brothers needed to be publicly exposed.
‘Your final legacy in the community does not need to be defined from what happened today,’ Moses said.
Vatuvei’s sporting career ended abruptly in June of 2019 after it was discovered the hulking winger had a cyst on his brain.
Rugby league legend Manu Vatuvei has been jailed after importing methamphetamine into New Zealand from India in 2019
Vatuvei, nicknamed ‘The Beast’, was a fan favourite at the Warriors, playing 226 games for the club as well as 29 tests for the Kiwis and two for Tonga
Vatuvei, a father of five, is pictured with singer Dinah Jane, a former member of multi-platinum girl group Fifth Harmony
Vatuvei was a fan favourite at the New Zealand Warriors, playing 226 games for the club as well as 29 tests for the Kiwis and two for Tonga.
His 152 tries for the Warriors are nearly double Stacey Jones in second, earning the love of footy fans with his infectious personality and bruising style of play.
His name was suppressed until May last year, when Vatuvei revealed the charges in an Instagram video posted to his account.
‘In 2019 I was charged with importation, possession and supply of methamphetamine,’ Vatuvei said the evening before the suppression order was due to expire.
‘I know there will be a lot of questions that are wanting answers but I’ve been advised from my legal team that that’s all I can talk about.’
Vatuvei turned to boxing in 2019 after an injury-plagued season in the English Super League with Salford.
During this time he discovered the cyst, which prevented him from stepping in the ring again.
The Warriors legend said there had been no signs or symptoms of the cyst. He was forced to cancel other bouts as he felt it was too risky to continue.
