7 Aug 2013

Officer accused of supplying contraband items

9:17 pm on 7 August 2013

A police officer in Auckland has been charged with supplying cannabis, tobacco and cigarettes to prisoners in court cells.

Lotovale Perese, 42, has appeared in the Waitakere District Court on 34 charges of supplying contraband such as tobacco and cigarettes, and one of knowingly supplying cannabis.

Detective Inspector Bruce Scott said on Wednesday the charges relate to contraband allegedly supplied to prisoners held in cells at the court.

Judge Eddie Paul declined to suppress the officer's name, citing high public interest and the need to ensure public confidence in police.

Police say the officer was a prisoner escort, based at the Henderson police station.

Mr Perese entered no plea and has been remanded on bail to reappear in court later in August.