Prosecution of Māori for cannabis offences falling, says Police CommissionerPosted by On


Andrew Coster says cannabis prosecutions for Māori are down by 17 per cent in the latest figures.

ROBERT KITCHIN/Stuff

Andrew Coster says cannabis prosecutions for Māori are down by 17 per cent in the latest figures.

This story was originally published on RNZ.co.nz and is republished with permission

The Police Commissioner has rejected criticism that Māori are still being unfairly prosecuted for low-level cannabis offences but is concerned they are more likely to be found in possession of the drug.

The Māori Council and the Drug Foundation say a law change last year giving police more discretionary powers has done nothing.

Andrew Coster told Nine to Noon the law change was intended to confirm what was already happening.

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He said there has been about a 40 per cent reduction in cannabis prosecutions in the last five years.

Statistics…

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