POLICE TRIED TO NAB POT-SMOKING MP

Bill Clinton got away with it by saying he didn't inhale. Nandor Tanczos
got away with it even when he did.

But police now believe historical admissions of cannabis use can be used to
support a prosecution.

Documents released to the Sunday Star-Times under the Official Information
Act about the police inquiry into a complaint against the Green MP for
marijuana smoking show a prima facie case may have been established.

A report by Wellington district crime manager detective inspector Harry
Quinn said prosecutors could call as witnesses the journalists to whom
Tanczos had made his voluntary admissions of cannabis use.

"A prima facie case may be able to be established, although that would
depend on the detail disclosed by the journalists during interview."

Police estimated Tanczos smoked 12.5 joints - worth about $40 - in 20
months. They based the figure on Tanczos' status as a current user and NZ
First MP Craig McNair, who laid the complaint, claiming there had been 20
incidents of cannabis use.

However, despite the potential for a prosecution, police concluded the
matter would generate public disapproval and have a negative impact on drug
debate.

"A significant section of society, whatever their views on cannabis use,
would see the investigation of and a prosecution of a member of parliament
for very minor historic cannabis offences as an inappropriate use of police
resources," said Quinn.

"A prosecution may well have some significant detrimental impacts upon
public health officials, social workers, counsellors, drug rehabilitation
workers, employment agencies, medical practitioners and the like, who are
reliant upon open and frank disclosure in order to accomplish positive
outcomes."

McNair said he was seeking legal advice and a private prosecution was
"definitely an option".

Tanczos was unavailable for comment.