By 3 News online staff
Police have revealed a suspected connection with the drug 'bath salts' in the unsolved death of an Auckland man a year ago.
Lee McMurdo, 32, was found dead by relatives at a Helensville address on Friday, July 29, 2011.
Police were called to the property at 4:40pm and launched a homicide investigation after the results of an autopsy were revealed. The investigation is known as Operation Manu.
Detective Inspector Greg Cramer of the Waitemata Police District says that more than 3,000 people have now been interviewed in relation to Mr McMurdo’s death, and 18 police investigators remain engaged with day-to-day enquiries.
“Police continue to make progress but at times it’s a challenge cutting through the rumour and innuendo that has captured the local community,” he says.
Mr Cramer says it is understood by police that Mr McMurdo was involved in the illegal drug trade both as a user and dealer.
“I believe that Mr McMurdo was dealing in the new illicit substance MDVP which is marketed and known as ‘bath salts’,” says Mr Cramer.
Police are also looking for a white Mistusbishi Mirage with a black bonnet which was stolen from West Auckland early on the morning of July 27, 2011, and is believed to be linked to Mr McMurdo’s death.
Anyone with information relating to the murder of Mr McMurdo is urged to call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or email the investigation team at opmanu@police.govt.nz.
3 News