Ex-NRL Player Manu Vatuvei Jailed For Role In Drug Importation Ring

Manu Vatuvei has been jailed for three years and seven months for his role in a drug importation ring.

The former Warriors star was found guilty of importing large quantities of methamphetamine into New Zealand along with his brother.

It's understood the group was attempting to get around 500 grams of methamphetamine, which has a street value of $200,000, into the country from India.

When news first broke of Vatuvei's involvement, there were talks of him being slapped with much longer jail time as some of the drug-related offences carried life sentences.

Vatuvei's brother Lopini Mafi, who was allegedly the leader of the operation, was handed a seven-year and two-months stint behind bars.

Alamy

The brothers appeared in front of Judge Jonathan Moses at south Auckland's Manukau District Court facing charges of importation, possession and supply methamphetamine.

"Your fall from grace is punishment in itself," Moses told the former NRL player.

"Your final legacy in the community does not need to be defined from what happened today. It can be defined by what you choose to do from today onwards.

"When you are released you will have a lot of your life to live and it's clear you will have the ongoing love and support of your wider family and friends.

"I'm sure it would make them even more proud if you are able to make different choices in the future. I hope that you do so."

Alamy

Vatuvei was a huge name in the NRL at one point in his career.

The try-scoring machine went on to play 226 games for the New Zealand Warriors and represented his country 29 times on the international stage.

He also enjoyed a stint over in the English Super League, signing for the Salford red Devils for the 2017 season.

Topics: Rugby League, nrl, Australia, Jail

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry