Pubdate: Sun, 14 Mar 2004
Source: Dominion Post, The (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2004 The Dominion Post
Contact:  http://www.dompost.co.nz
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2550
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

PROMISING PLAYER TURNED FROM LEAGUE TO DRUGS

Kelly Makoari could have been a professional rugby league player but he 
turned down the opportunity in order to be with his family - and turned to 
drugs instead.

Aged 22 he moved from Hawke's Bay to Wellington to pursue a promising rugby 
league career. He was offered a contract with an Australian club but could 
not take it because of family commitments.

Yesterday, in the High Court at Napier, the "family man" was jailed for 
2-1/2 years for attempting to manufacture methamphetamine and possession of 
cannabis for supply. He had earlier pleaded guilty to both charges.

The court was told Makoari, 40, unemployed, from Te Hauke near Hastings, 
was stopped by police on October 31.

They found equipment used to manufacture methamphetamine, chemicals needed 
to produce the drug and 15 one-gram cannabis packages.

Lawyer Steve Manning said Makoari had been using methamphetamine for about 
18 months. As part of receiving the drug he was obliged to do "something in 
return" and had been asked to shift some equipment and chemicals to another 
address. After being caught he "sobbed" and admitted his role.

Mr Manning said Makoari had been drawn into a gang when he returned to 
Hawke's Bay. However, has family always came first and he wanted to cut his 
gang ties.

He was remorseful for his actions and deserved a significant discount for 
his guilty plea.

Justice France said Makoari's pre-sentence report showed he was a 
supportive husband and father. But aggravating features of his offending 
were previous drug offences and the fact he had admitted trying to make a 
class A drug.

Parliament had reclassified methamphetamine to a class A drug to reflect 
that it was a cause for serious concern.

Justice France jailed Makoari for 2-1/2 years on the methamphetamine charge 
and six months for possession of cannabis.

Both sentences are to be served concurrently.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager