For those of you who are too young to remember this drama unfolding, here are a few of the historical research material that our research team used to put together the story of Underbelly: Land Of The Long Green Cloud.
Click on each image to view the full-size version.
NOTE: Due to the sensitive nature of this subject, we have blanked out some names from the articles.
Article from the Auckland Star
Dated: 21 May 1980, page 18
"The two key police witnesses in the Mr Asia drugs murder trial tried to kill themselves days before they went to the police."
Article from the Auckland Star
Dated: 23 January 1981, page 1
"Keeping the secret of the murder of New Zealand drug boss Martin Johnstone became too much for the de facto wife of his killer..."
Article from The New Zealand Herald
The alleged involvement of each of the 11 accused in the Johnstone murder and drugs trial was outlined in the Crown's opening speech to the jury by the chief prosecution counsel...
Article from New Zealand Herald
Dated: 27 January 1981
The girlfriend of New Zealander Christopher Martin Johnstone said today she knew Johnstone was dealing with cannabis.
Mrs Hue told of asking...Maher where Johnstone was after her lover had not returned from a supposed "business trip"...
Article from: Auckland Star
Dated: 13 November 1979, page 3
"New Zealanders facing charges over the murder of drug trafficking boss "Mr Asia" have been transferred from police custody to a remand centre and prison."
