The head of one of New Zealand’s largest drug syndicates has been jailed for 17 years and three months while his right-hand man received a sentence of one year less.

Feng Chih “Daniel” Hsu and Aenoy Bouavong pleaded guilty to methamphetamine possession and supply charges.

APNZ understands the police are now seeking money from the sale of Hsu’s BMW X5, money from the sale of his house and $985,000 in cash.

The application, under the Proceeds of Crimes Act, is now before the High Court and will be the subject of a future hearing.

Crown prosecutor David Johnstone told the court that Hsu was “the mastermind.”

Hsu’s lawyer Ron Mansfield said his client got involved in drugs after his business failed but was relieved when police finally caught up with him.

“It does seem that he found himself in a lifestyle difficult to get out of.”

However, Justice Toogood said Hsu’s offending involved over $5 million worth of methamphetamine which was motivated by greed.

Thi Hong Lan Nguyen was sentenced to 12 years. Her lawyer Mina Wharepouri said Nguyen was further down the chain than the others and she had her own addiction to methamphetamine which she had since sought help for.

He said part of the reason the 28-year-old got involved in the group was to provide for her five children.

Justice Toogood described her as “instrumental” in getting the drugs onto the street.

Another dealer and partner of Nguyen was Aenoy Keophila. He was sentenced to 12 years and six months.

Ka Kit Poon was sentenced to nine years in prison. Phokham Bouavong – brother to Aenoy – was sentenced to six years; and Tavita Maleko five years.