Pubdate: Thu, 26 Oct 2000
Source: New Zealand Herald (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2000 New Zealand Herald
Contact:  PO Box 32, Auckland, New Zealand
Fax: (09) 373-6421
Website: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/
Forum: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/forums/
Author: Kevin Taylor

POLICE SAY SAFETY CONCERNS PROMPTED DRUG RAID

Tokoroa police have defended a drug raid on a local plywood mill, saying it 
followed reports of drug use and dealing at the plant.

Detective Sergeant Mark Loper, head of the Tokoroa CIB, said yesterday that 
health and safety were involved.

"We don't want anyone getting squashed [by machinery] because they are 
smoking dope."

About 20 police from Tokoroa and Rotorua, with a drug dog, raided the 
Carter Holt Harvey mill about 7.30 pm last Wednesday.

The raid raised the ire of the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing 
Union, which said such events were virtually unheard of in New Zealand 
workplaces.

The union, which is investigating the raid's legality, was looking into 
reports of a man being strip-searched, another being manhandled from a 
forklift and a third being dragged from a toilet.

The involvement of the employer was also of concern. Union general counsel 
Tony Wilton said management was required to deal with employees in good faith.

Detective Sergeant Loper would not comment on any specific allegations, but 
said the raid had been conducted properly.

Mill management said they were concerned about the possible link between 
cannabis use and accidents.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart