A Nepalese man residing in Auckland has had his prison sentence reduced on appeal after pleading guilty to importing cocaine into New Zealand. Anurag Maskey, 27, originally came to New Zealand in 2018 as a student and completed a diploma in information technology. Despite his qualifications, Maskey struggled to find work in his field, taking on various unskilled labour roles while attempting to establish a business, which ultimately failed.

Between January and July 2022, Maskey was involved in importing approximately 1.576 kilograms of cocaine, primarily from the United Kingdom, with connections also traced to a supplier in Nepal. Initially acting as a low-level courier, or “catcher,” Maskey assumed a more central role after his mentor and financier, another Nepalese national, left the country in April 2022. He then managed key logistical aspects of the operation, including arranging shipments, handling collections, testing drug purity, and coordinating how the cocaine was to be cut before distribution.

Police searches of Maskey’s Mt Eden residence uncovered 219 grams of cocaine, bags containing white powder residue, electronic scales, and evidence from his phone that linked him to ongoing communications with the Nepal supplier, photos of drug packages, and records of shipments and tracking numbers.

Maskey pleaded guilty to five charges of cocaine importation. In March 2023, the Auckland District Court sentenced him to six years and four months in prison. Maskey appealed the sentence, arguing for a reduction.

In its recent ruling, the Court of Appeal acknowledged mitigating factors related to Maskey’s personal circumstances, describing him as an “emerging adult” at 22 when he first became involved. The court noted that his failed business ventures and ensuing financial difficulties made him vulnerable to manipulation by his mentor, who provided financial support that appeared to serve as leverage to draw Maskey into illegal activities. The judges described this relationship dynamic as “very human,” suggesting Maskey may have initially underestimated the gravity of his actions.

Taking these factors into account, the Court of Appeal reduced Maskey’s prison term to five years and seven months. Following the completion of his sentence, Maskey will be deported from New Zealand.