Pretrial hearing — admissibility of evidence — propensity evidence — organised crime — gang related offending — conspiring to manufacture methamphetamine — manufacturing methamphetamine — conspiring to supply — offering to supply — supplying methamphetamine — Class A drugs — Operation Oceanuster — Grimshaw v R [2013] NZCA 22 — Freeman v R [2010] NZCA 230 — Senior v New Zealand Police (2000) 18 CRNZ 340 (HC). The defendant was facing charges of conspiring to manufacture methamphetamine, manufacturing methamphetamine, conspiring to supply, offering to supply and supplying methamphetamine. He was charged after the police conducted a large investigation into a gang-run drug ring. The Crown sought to admit the defendant's previous convictions for drug offending as propensity evidence at trial. It was submitted that they would demonstrate a propensity to supply methamphetamine and to assist "cooks" of the drug. It would also help establish use of language related to drug dealing. The Judge was satisfied that the evidence's probative value outweighed any prejudicial effect it may have on the defendant, ruling it admissible. Judgment Date: 14 January 2020.