Billy McKee was found Guilty by the jury on all charges.

Sentencing is at Palmerston North High Court 30th of October at 10 am.

Drug sting used 'migraines' as bait
JIMMY ELLINGHAM

An undercover constable at the centre of a covert sting has told a jury the man who sold him cannabis talked about taking the drug for medical purposes, but did not discuss its recreational use.

William Duffield McKee, known as Billy, is accused of selling the drug several times to the constable, who used an assumed name that is suppressed.

McKee, a 57-year-old Levin man whose lower right leg has been amputated, hosts the GreenCross website, which promotes the use of cannabis to treat medical ailments.

He is facing four charges of selling the drug to the constable between February 2010 and May last year, and one of cultivation.

It is alleged police raided McKee's house and found 66 cannabis plants in a growing room on July 8 last year.

Under cross-examination in Palmerston North District Court, yesterday the constable confirmed McKee made it clear he supported the legalisation of cannabis for medical purposes and did not discuss the social or recreational use of the drug.

The constable had contacted GreenCross under the guise of seeking help for a migraine.

At first McKee sold the policeman hemp oil, a legal product, before mentioning "raw medicine" in an email. Raw medicine means cannabis.

Lawyer Steve Winter, assigned by the court to assist McKee, said: "You accept that all contact for buying drugs from McKee was initiated by you."

"I don't believe I mentioned drugs first on any occasions. Drugs came up kind of naturally," the constable said.

He agreed with Mr Winter that McKee's contact details were readily available on the GreenCross site and that normally "the illicit trade" of cannabis dealing was conducted in secret.

The constable also confirmed that McKee had suggested he see a doctor about his migraines, but stopped short of agreeing McKee was "genuinely concerned" for his welfare.

Mr Winter asked if the purpose of the operation was to buy cannabis from McKee.

"It was to see if I could purchase an illegal substance," the constable said.

His "controller", a detective sergeant whose name is also suppressed, said McKee was specifically targeted in the operation.

Both men said McKee appeared to be selling the drug cheaper than other dealers.

The constable also described how McKee had asked him if he was interested in collecting signatures on a petition to push for the legalisation of medicinal cannabis.

On the day his house was raided, McKee was interviewed by Levin Detective Richard Morse, who said he declined to comment in relation to the charges.

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McKee was also asked if he wanted to say anything about the GreenCross website.

"He replied to me, 'Well, I've got lots I would like to say, but it's probably not the appropriate time to say it'," Mr Morse said.

The trial is expected to finish today.

- © Fairfax NZ News

Accused's supporters picket court
Cannabis case heard
JIMMY ELLINGHAM

POT LUCK: Some passers-by took pamphlets from a group of pro-cannabis demonstrators outside the Palmerston North courthouse, while others walked on.

Supporters of a man on trial for growing and selling cannabis are picketing the Palmerston North courthouse and handing out pro-cannabis leaflets.

Inside the building, William Duffield McKee, known as Billy, is facing four charges of selling the drug and one of cultivation, having been caught in an undercover police sting.

The 57-year-old Levin man hosts the GreenCross website, which promotes the use of cannabis for medical purposes.

McKee's supporters were standing near the door when potential jury members reported for duty yesterday.

Once the Palmerston North District Court jury was chosen, Judge Barbara Morris told them to destroy any pamphlets they might have been handed.

She also told them to put aside any views they might hold about cannabis use.

“You must not convict McKee because you hold a political view on this topic. You must not acquit McKee because you hold a political view on this topic,” the judge said.

In her opening statement, Crown prosecutor Andrea Read said police were concerned drugs were being sold over the GreenCross site and began an undercover operation.

A police constable, who used an assumed name that is suppressed, rang a GreenCross phone number in February, 2010.

“He explained that he suffered from migraines and the accused offered medical advice and recommended hemp oil,” Ms Read said.

The constable put $25 in the GreenCross bank account and received the oil on March 9, 2010.

McKee is accused of emailing the constable to ask if he would like to buy any cannabis, or “raw medicine”.

The constable emailed back and said "yes", but McKee said he would first have to join GreenCross, which he did.

On June 23, 2010, it's alleged the pair met at a “secluded park” in Petone where McKee sold the constable oil and two matchboxes of cannabis plant material for $65.

Another meeting was arranged for July 7, 2010, where McKee is accused of selling two matchboxes of cannabis plant material for $40 in a Wellington car park.

The constable also asked if he could buy a $100 bag and allegedly gave McKee cash and an address to send the drug on to. It arrived on July 9, 2010, Ms Read said.

And on May 25 last year, the constable and McKee met in a Levin car park where McKee is accused of selling him cannabis and oil for $125.

McKee's house was searched on July 8, 2011, and police found a trapdoor hidden under the carpet, Ms Read said. “Under the trapdoor police located a cannabis grow room containing 66 cannabis plants in various stages of growth.”

McKee is representing himself, but lawyer Steve Winter has been appointed by the court to assist him.

Mr Winter reminded the jury to keep an open mind and said the Crown had to prove the charges.

“From McKee's perspective, almost [as] important as what happened is why it happened.”

The public gallery was cleared when the undercover constable gave evidence.

He said at one of his meetings with McKee, the accused told him he could not be prosecuted if he had his GreenCross membership card on him while carrying cannabis. The trial is expected to last three days.

- © Fairfax NZ News

Billy McKee is in the Palmerston North District Court today.

Outside, supporters are holding a peaceful protest and an all-night vigil.

PEACEFUL PROTEST AND ALL NIGHT VIGIL.

We are traveling from around the country to support the court case of GreenCross director Billy McKee, who is a medical cannabis user and amputee.

Supporters from Invercargill to Auckland will be converging in Palmerston North on September 3, outside the court to stage a peaceful protest and all night vigil to support Mckee.

Billy lost a leg below the knee when a drunk driver deliberately rammed his motorbike over 30 years ago. The incident resulted in him being confined to a wheelchair and in constant pain from nerve damage to the stump as well as suffering from post traumatic stress disorder.

The pain medications he was prescribed by doctors caused intolerable side effects where even driving was considered unsafe. He found that the only thing that controlled his pain, depression, irritability and other symptoms, while still allowing him to function, was cannabis.

This led him to study the medical benefits of cannabis, become a counsellor and form GreenCross, an organisation devoted to helping sick people obtain relief through the medicinal use of cannabis.

McKee now faces jail time for running GreenCross and helping sick patients obtain their medicine.

He was entrapped by an undercover police officer posing as someone suffering from severe migraines. McKee said that migraines can indicate in the early stages of brain tumors and many people have found that cannabis relieves the symptoms of migraines and allows them to function normally.

McKee accepted the young man as being a genuine sufferer. The undercover cop appealed to his compassion in asking Billy to supply him with cannabis. Billy says, "I was really worried about him."

As a result of trying to help someone, Billy is now facing charges that could see him sent to prison for up to eight years. Prison terms have also been imposed on other medical cannabis users due to a law that lacks compassion.

McKee, who is going to a jury trial, is calling for jury nullification of the charges of the grounds they breach his human rights.

Even if he has broken the law, the Jury has the moral authority to return a not-guilty verdict, sending a message to politicians that medical cannabis users should not be targeted for arrest.

I've just done my daily bit to further Linz's (and my) efforts to attract the attention of the Prohibition Implementing Goons.

I left this comment (awaiting moderation) at the Kapiti Independent.

The police response is pathetic.

They were probably too busy arresting peaceful people who smoke and/or sell cannabis to prevent a young man being brutally murdered on their own back doorstep.

NZ’s Version of Organised Crime: the Police

Police, it’s time you called a moratorium on the War on Drugs. Show that you have a moral compass. And show some initiative. Don’t wait for word from on high. Do it off your own bat. Focus on real crimes, that is, crimes of violence (against people) and crimes of dishonesty (against people’s property).

But I do have a proposal, under which everybody wins: the cops go on strike, all of them. But before they do, they pinch Bloomberg and toss his ass in a cell on Rikers Island

Turns out that Mayor Bloomberg's comments themselves may be in violation of New York law:

We highly doubt Bloomberg actually wants a nationwide police strike to take place, because he is not insane. He was just making an absurd suggestion to illustrate how our lax gun control laws endanger police more than they do the average citizen. But was his suggestion illegal?

"You may be familiar with the Taylor Law for its prohibition on strikes by public employees, such as teachers, transit workers, and, yes, police officers. But the law also declares that "no public employee or employee organization shall cause, instigate, encourage, or condone a strike." Bloomberg is a public employee, no? And he appears to be encouraging a strike? Not that we expect Bloomberg to be brought up on charges or anything, but still, he's the mayor! He's not supposed to be violating the law. "

You really can't make this stuff up. But I do have a proposal, under which everybody wins: the cops go on strike, all of them. But before they do, they pinch Bloomberg and toss his ass in a cell on Rikers Island. I would have suggested North Korea, as I'm sure they have gun control laws of which Mayor Bloomberg would approve, but I fear that our cops would return with some really, really good "law enforcement" ideas.

I say: good. Go on strike, all of you. Forever. Stop enforcing these insane drug laws, stop enforcing bullshit 'Click It or Ticket' (mandatory seat belt) laws. Stop going on drug raids. Stop volunteering for SWAT duty. Stop writing tickets for children selling lemonade on sidewalks, or adults selling food from trucks. Stop keeping us "safe" from all of this. Just stop it, all of it. All of you.

Go on strike. All of you. Just go the hell away. Now. And don't fucking come back.

Magnificent!

Where the hell did that don't tread on me spirit go?

If that's the case, Richard, it's dreadful.

We need a Western Spring.

This is what was announced yesterday on the NORML NZ mailing list:

Stephen McIntyre took his own life on Sunday.

Facebook posts say he hung himself apparently in response to the green cross raid, and I guess the likelihood that he was going to jail. Whatever the reasons for him life must have become too painful to bear.

...is there evidence that his suicide was related to his drug bust or persecution at the hands of the law?

Indeed these laws are unnecessary, McIntyre favouring some form of regulation himself.

Exactly.

Played the Stephen McIntyre Perigo in the background as I was working. Everything surrounding that is appalling and disgusting: there couldn't be a more gentle sounding, considered man. This is the brute society.

Linz, my condolences mean nothing, and can mean nothing, but I offer them anyway.

It's not just NZ police, though. Immediately after the recent Aurora, Colorado mass murders the odious mayor of New York, Michael Bloomberg, stated

“I don't understand why the police officers across this country don't stand up collectively and say, ‘We're going to go on strike. We're not going to protect you. Unless you, the public, through your legislature, do what's required to keep us safe,’” he said.

I say: good. Go on strike, all of you. Forever. Stop enforcing these insane drug laws, stop enforcing bullshit 'Click It or Ticket' (mandatory seat belt) laws. Stop going on drug raids. Stop volunteering for SWAT duty. Stop writing tickets for children selling lemonade on sidewalks, or adults selling food from trucks. Stop keeping us "safe" from all of this. Just stop it, all of it. All of you.

Go on strike. All of you. Just go the hell away. Now. And don't fucking come back.

And Stephen McIntyre, rest in peace.

... to learn of the suicide of Stephen McIntyre. He was my guest on Perigo! 2.

In response to this press release, he e-mailed me:

Nice one Lindsay.

Auckland Greencross got busted 2 weeks ago and police found some cannabis on site. Being the person on duty that day I was the one arrested and now face charges. Guess that makes me one of those 2500.

Be good to catch up next time you're in town.

Stephen.

I guess that won't be happening. Yes, I know, he didn't have to hang himself, but he should not have been put in a position, by the initiation of force by those who are supposed to protect us from it, where he wanted to.

I repeat: NZ Police = NZ's version of organised crime. Filthy thugs, as are the politicians behind them. And may every so-called classical liberal who failed to speak up for Don's marijuana speech, including Don, pause and feel self-loathing.

2500 arrests in soft drink busts

Police arrest 300 in alcohol crackdown

Dunne: firework ban a step too far

.

All in favor?

The Republicans need a Draft Penn Jillette! movement in Tampa next month.

Penn for Pres!

the kind of anger you are looking for?

There is no passion for liberty. So folk will get what they deserve, as I explained on the Obamarx thread. I'm just mildly irritated that *I* don't deserve it.

Well I'm putting myself in that camp also. Though, Richard, I'm not all bitter and twisted; my last blog on methods used to free radical lesbian nuns being a possibility for statists shows, despite the impossibility of the task, I may go down smiling.

May, not guaranteed though.

Has Tuesday evening of next week been firmed up? Why do I doubt it?

Not that I've heard.

I'm aware of Peter Dunne's monstrosity. Effigies of him should be hanging from trees. No one has the balls.

You can see how hopeless it is. Folk posting on this very thread as though my use of "cuzzies" were an issue, or the whole thing's a yawn. There is no passion for liberty. So folk will get what they deserve, as I explained on the Obamarx thread. I'm just mildly irritated that *I* don't deserve it.

Has Tuesday evening of next week been firmed up? Why do I doubt it?

Personal use of marijuana has been decriminalized for more than ten years in parts of Britain.

I've previously mentioned that some mini-cab firms were dealers and you could walk from the pub to their base, buy it, and smoke it in the pub..

What else can I do? That's a serious question.

It's a sad fact of life that it's the people who do the most who ask, "What else can I do?" Unfortunately, I don't think you can do much else with this particular post. It does, at least, serve to rouse the troops from their "blank, vacuous catatonia." This particular troop, anyway. But now that I'm fired up, what am I going to do? Rant and rave on my own blog? But who reads that? You (possibly) and the embittered and despondent Mark Hubbard whom, depressingly, I'm beginning to sound like.

But we have some serious fascism going on here.

I think that perhaps not even you realise the full extent of it. Are you aware of Peter Dunne's monstrous new regulatory regime for psychoactive substances? It will ban *all* new recreational drugs. *Before* they even have a chance to hit the shelves.

What else can we do? Or, what do we do now? Some of us are putting our heads together and asking such questions. As you know. Will anything worthwhile come of our discussions? I don't know the answer to that, either. I live in hope.

Dare I say it, but I'm inclined to think that Rand had essentially the right idea. Of course, I haven't actually read Atlas Shrugged (or seen the movie), but didn't the productive go on strike and adjourn to Galt's Gulch? Mark Hubbard (bless him, I wouldn't want him to be anything other than embittered and despondent, although he probably would) belabours the point that taxation is what fuels the state and the IRD, the government department most to be feared, is its engine. Perhaps the only ultimate solution is to starve the beast of oxygen? I suppose what I'm advocating is civil disobedience across the board, and tax resistance in particular.

You can't possibly be serious about "cuzzies." You need to be serious about 2500 arrests for a victimless "crime." There is absolutely zero indignation about this anywhere but here. I'm still naive enough to be appalled by this.

...it was a serious point.

Kick ass article. I hope this is read far and wide.

The UK government is currently reviewing its drugs policy.

If it were up to the LibDems alone there probably would be some sort of legalisation. Here's hoping!

Creeping cretinism, eh Bro Bachler?

But we have some serious fascism going on here. I want folk to grasp it and, like Baade, seethe. This is no laughing matter.

"To our American cuzzies that won't sound like many."

Your increasing use of "cuzzies" and "bro" is getting quite alarming.

Get out of NZ while you still can, man!

I put it on Twitter (for twits) and Faecesbook (for fuckwits) and sent it to Scoop. What else can I do? That's a serious question. I am blacklisted by MSM.

I know it's too much to expect anger, since anger is politically incorrect and uncool. But one would expect a modicum of disconcertedness.

... I was seething.

Great post.

But, you know, I'm, like, in the choir. Is your message even reaching the congregation? Let alone the wider world outside the church? (This is no criticism. I wish I knew a better way to advance the cause of freedom in this increasingly authoritarian backwater of ours, but I don't.)

... to sink in. 2500 arrests. To our American cuzzies that won't sound like many. In Kiwi terms it's huge. Cops all over the country were wasted on this fascist exercise. The same cops who don't respond to 911 calls from citizens in real distress.

I know it's too much to expect anger, since anger is politically incorrect and uncool. But one would expect a modicum of disconcertedness. Nope, not even that. Just blank, vacuous catatonia.

Whadda waste of time, resources & prob the courage of a number of good men. Pointless misery creation all round. The police need be the second most lethal gang, but who, even among them, believes they've achieved anything of value in all this, except a few stats showing they've been busy? Punchy post.

...back in the USA:

Colorado set to light up.

Which goes to my contention about large federal systems being more open to change than small monolithic states, as previously discussed.

Police must get back to the business of pursuing, rather than imitating, real criminals with victims.

And libertarians must get back to the business of packing, rather than pulling, punches.

Now that's what I call a Law & Order speech!