POLICE RELEASE CANNABIS MEP

A EURO MP who walked into a Greater Manchester police station brandishing
cannabis to protest against British drug laws was released without charge.

Marco Pannella, from Italy, is the third MEP to back a campaign to
decriminalise cannabis.

His colleagues Marco Cappato, from Milan, and Chris Davies, from Cheshire,
were arrested and charged with cannabis possession after taking part in
separate protests last month.

But Stockport police decided to release 71-year-old Mr Pannella after he
refused to accept a caution.

The MEPs support Colin Davies, owner of Stockport's Dutch Experience cafe,
who is in custody awaiting trial on drug charges.

Mr Davies and Mr Cappato were due to appear before Stockport magistrates
for committal proceedings today (Tuesday).