Courier Employee Uncovers Cannabis Shipment, Leads to Arrest

A shipment of cannabis intended for delivery across the Cook Strait was intercepted by a courier company employee, leading to the arrest of Anthony Ellison, 40. The incident unfolded when the employee noticed a distinct odor emanating from a package, prompting immediate notification to the authorities.

Upon investigation, police found that the package contained 445 grams of dried cannabis leaf material. Ellison appeared in the New Plymouth District Court on March 12, 2024, where he pleaded guilty to charges of possession and cultivation of cannabis. The intended destination of the package was Tākaka.

During a subsequent search of Ellison’s residence in New Plymouth, officers discovered four large cannabis plants growing in pots on his deck. Additionally, they seized a “jungle grow tent,” grow lights, and a set of scales from the premises. When questioned, Ellison explained that he had dropped off the package for a friend and acknowledged that the plants were his.

In court, his defence lawyer, Emily Forsyth, argued that Ellison’s actions did not indicate any intent for commercial gain. Forsyth highlighted that Ellison was gainfully employed and had recently received a career advancement opportunity. She also noted that he participated in random drug testing at work and was willing to submit to further testing through the Corrections department. Forsyth recommended community detention with a weekend curfew to accommodate Ellison’s work commitments.

Police prosecutor Lewis Sutton supported the defence’s suggestions but requested a destruction order for the cannabis and related equipment.

Judge Hikaka acknowledged Ellison’s prior convictions, noting that none were related to drug offenses. “You could count yourself fortunate. You could have faced different charges on the basis of that quantity, and your posting, as well as your admission that it was to supply someone else,” the judge remarked.

Ultimately, Judge Hikaka imposed a sentence of three months of community detention, accompanied by a weekend curfew. The judge also added six months of supervision and ordered the destruction of the cannabis and equipment. This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges related to cannabis regulation and enforcement in New Zealand.