Big trade in cannabis

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33454, 8 February 1974, Page 3

Big trade in cannabis

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, February 7. Twelve persons had gathered at a Wellington address to buy cannabis from Christopher Michael Price and another man, the Wellington Magistrate’s Court was told today.

Price, aged 22, an unemployed truck driver, admitted possessing cannabis for the purpose of supply. Mr J. A. Wicks, S.M., remanded him until February 22 for a probation report. A 24-year-old unemployed pipe-layer, charged with a similar offence, did not appear in court and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. Sergeant P. Darroch said that during recent months Price and an associate had made several large purchases of cannabis from a supplier in Auckland. After each purchase, Price and his associate brought the cannabis to Wellington where it was distributed to local drug dealers and users. The supplier in Auckland had been arrested. About a week before Price’s arrest, Price and his partner decided to buy a further quantity of cannabis. 'They contacted the Auckland

supplier and arranged to buy 500 “buddha sticks” — bamboo sticks around which were bound flowering tops of cannabis plants. On the local market the cannabis would have realised between $lO,OOO and $15,000. The associate went to Auckland and bought 500 “buddha sticks.” He returned on December 6 and was met at Wellington Airport by Price and taken to a local address. Twelve persons gathered at the address to buy cannabis from Price and his associate. About $l5O worth had already been sold before the police arrived. Police executing a search warrant there found Price with $250 in his possession and his associate in possession of more than 500 “buddha sticks.” Sergeant Darroch said Price’s associate had absconded and was believed to ihave left the country.