LUST for APPLE WATCH drove me to crime, says alleged meth dealer

A man accused of arranging a crystal meth deal in China has reportedly claimed he only did because he really wanted an Apple Watch.

A translated article from the government-run Guangzhou Daily newspaper says a 21-year-old man from the city was arrested for arranging the illegal trade with the hope of using the profits to buy Jony Ive's new arm slab.

The man, identified only as "Zeng," was accused of hooking up a friend with a methamphetamine dealer, and taking a $480 cut of the payment. Both the buyer and dealer were cuffed, and Zeng was later collared by police.

When questioned, the wannabe fanboi said he had hoped to use the money to get an Apple Watch to pair with his iPhone 6. China is among the countries set to receive the Apple Watch when the wrist-puter goes on sale on April 24. The cheapest model will cost 3,000 yuan, or $480.

Least we forget how good we have it here, no self-respecting American drug dealer would wear anything less than the $10,000 18-karat gold Apple Watch.

This wouldn't be the first time Apple's brand has been associated with crime in mainland China. Because the state charges a hefty tax on the imported devices, Apple gear costs more in China than in other countries.

The markup has created a lucrative business for smugglers, who purchase Apple kit in Hong Kong and then sneak it to the mainland for resale.

One such Apple mule was recently caught trying to cross the HK border with no fewer than 95 iPhones strapped to his person. ®