Pubdate: Wed, 21 Aug 2013
Source: Southland Times (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2013 Southland Times Company Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.southlandtimes.co.nz/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1041
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?236 (Corruption - Outside U.S.)

POLICEMAN SOLD CANNABIS

Former senior New Zealand policeman Mark Franklin pleaded guilty to 
drug charges in the Cook Islands High Court yesterday, Television New 
Zealand reported.

A one-time detective inspector in Northland, Franklin was arrested in 
2011 over allegations that he was operating as a local drug dealer, 
selling cannabis from a bar, in Rarotonga.

Franklin's co-accused included a senior policewoman, Inano Matapo, 
and her partner, Giovanni Masters, who is the son of the country's 
deputy prime minister.

New Zealand police officers based in Rarotonga helped in the major 
drug bust, which may lead to further charges.

Franklin, 55, was one of four out of 13 arrested people facing 
charges of selling cannabis and possessing cannabis for sale.

TVNZ said he would be sentenced by Justice Colin Doherty late next week.

Franklin left the New Zealand police force in 2006 to undertake 
police work in the Cook Islands.

Fairfax NZ
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