TANCZOS DOPE SMOKING CHARGE DROPPED

Police today dismissed a complaint against green MP Nandor Tanczos for dope
smoking.

Green Party bosses described the complaint against Mr Tanczos as a
"pathetic vindictive little joke" by New Zealand First MP Craig McNair.

Mr Tanczos is a self confessed cannabis smoker, who says he uses it for
religious purposes associated with Rastafarian faith.

Green co-leader Rod Donald said the complaint highlighted the need for a
law change.

"Already police have wasted too many hours investigating what was never
anything but a frivolous publicity stunt.

"This complaint was laid almost three months ago. How many police hours
have been spent on it since September?"

Detective Inspector Harry Quinn wrote to Mr McNair saying that after the
investigation there was not sufficient evidence to prosecute.

"Inquiries have been made into your allegations and a review of that
information has been conducted.

"As a result, Wellington police have concluded that no criminal offending
can be established to requisite standard on the evidence presently available."

Mr Tanzcos said today he was interviewed once by police who presented him
with evidence of his past statements on personal cannabis use.

Mr Quinn said in the interview that "Mr Tanzcos was co-operative but
asserted his legal rights not to answer questions relating to his personal
cannabis use".

The senior police officer felt that while prosecutions based on historical
admissions could be successful, in this case legal requirements weren't met.

"Publicly stating that you intend using cannabis in the future is not an
offence."

Mr McNair said he was disappointed that the Green MP "lacked the courage"
to answer questions.

- - NZPA