Press release: NORML. National Organisation for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, NZ.

For immediate release: 16/04/04

Cannabis Law Reformer Busted: Questions Police Priorities.

In the Wellington District Court today, cannabis law reform advocate Duncan Eddy, a member of the national NORML Executive, offered no plea to charges of possession of cannabis, possession of a pipe, obstruction, and resisting arrest. He was bailed to appear on the 30th of April.

Claiming to have smelt cannabis, undercover police invoked the Misuse of Drugs Act after Eddy declined their request to search him early on Wednesday morning in Cuba Street, Wellington. Eddy non-violently resisted attempts to search and detain him, before being handcuffed and locked up.

“The police actions do not reflect their often stated claims that they place low priority on arresting cannabis users. Considering their lax response to violent crime and property crime, it makes me furious that police are still wasting time arresting people for cannabis possession." Said Eddy.

“I’ve campaigned for effective and fair cannabis laws for years, and I intend to use this court opportunity to put the Wellington Police and cannabis prohibition on trial.”

ENDS

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