PRISONER CAUGHT WITH CANNABIS

Clayton Wilson was less than a fortnight away from getting out of
jail when he was found with 90 cannabis cigarettes in his cell.

The 23-year-old appeared in the Taupo District Court this week
charged with possessing cannabis for supply. He has pleaded guilty to
the charge and will be sentenced in July.

A police summary of facts given to the Daily Post stated a package
was thrown over the Tongariro/Rangipo Prison perimeter fence on June 1.

The package landed behind the cells and an inmate from inside
retrieved it. After that the package disappeared.

Later that night two corrections officers patrolling noted suspicious
activity inside Wilson's cell.

The next morning his cell was searched and he was strip-searched.
Corrections officers found 90 pre-rolled cannabis cigarettes in a bag
concealed in his underwear. It also contained two grams of loose
cannabis. The total weight seized was 18 grams. Cannabis cigarettes
are called "race horses" in prison and sell for between $10 and $15.

When spoken to Wilson said he was holding them for someone else and
couldn't say who. He said his job was just to roll them up and hold
them - and in exchange he got to keep some.

Wilson was due for release on Wednesday but instead has been remanded
in custody until he is sentenced in July.