Pubdate: Tue, 02 Aug 2005
Source: New Zealand Herald (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2005 New Zealand Herald
Contact:  http://www.nzherald.co.nz/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/300
Author: NZPA (wire)

SPORTS STAR UNLIKELY TO FACE DRUG CHARGE EXTRADITION

One of two sporting celebrities caught up in a major drugs bust is unlikely
to be extradited to face charges in New Zealand.

A police source said the man lives overseas but was a small fish in the
investigation and police did not plan to start extradition proceedings
against him.

The man and another former sports star, both high-profile, household names
in New Zealand, were named in court documents last month when six people
appeared in court on 22 charges including supplying or conspiring to supply
methamphetamine, cocaine, ecstasy and cannabis.

The two celebrities have not been charged and a court suppression order
prevents their names being published.

The police source said four others, including the two celebrities, were
likely to be charged.

The source said today the two were small fish in the big pond of drug deals.

One was due back in New Zealand at the end of next month.

The other had business interests in New Zealand but police would not
extradite him.

"We will just keep him in the court documents and if necessary will lay an
information and seek a warrant for his arrest if he fails to appear and he
will get picked up at the airport," the source said.

Police were speaking to lawyers for both the men.

The suppression order was likely to continue on Thursday when the six
already charged are due to make another appearance in Auckland District
Court.

Angeline Barlow, media manager for south Auckland police, said police would
not officially comment on the case because it was still before the courts.

- - NZPA
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