A snowmaker at Treble Cone says he bought 54 grams of cannabis because he needed enough to last the fortnight before he left the country.
Police noticed the drug’s strong smell while searching the Wanaka home of Kris Prem Mehta (26) on an unrelated matter on October 5. Mehta told police he bought such a large quantity because he was a heavy user.
It was difficult to buy the drug in Wanaka, and he had needed enough to last him until he flew out of the country, for his next job, in two weeks’ time.
Mehta admitted a charge of cannabis possession when he appeared before Judge Bernadette Farnan in the Queenstown District Court this week.
Duty lawyer Tanya Surrey said the defendant had a clean record and was "exceptionally remorseful".
He had wanted to apply for a discharge without conviction on the grounds he would not be able to work in Japan and Korea with a conviction.
He would also have difficulty travelling to Canada, the home country of his partner.
However, he had to fly overseas for his next work commitment before the first available date for a discharge hearing.
He was convicted and fined $250 and $130 court costs. The cannabis will be destroyed.
Other convictions
• Kaylene Ann Clark (41), of Luggate, wilful damage, Wanaka, June 5, convicted and discharged.
