The bench warrant issued for a man who was arrested with 71 cannabis plants in July of this year remains in effect until his return to the Cook Islands.

The 49-year-old is facing a charge of cultivating cannabis.

Cook Islands Police media and strategic advisor Trevor Pitt says the bench warrant has been in effect since September 4 for the defendant who absconded the country sometime in late August.

Pitt explained that the man was to appear in Court on August 30, 2024.

However, Police had been advised by defence counsel that the client had left the country for either New Zealand or Australia.

Pitt said the wife of the defendant had informed the defence counsel about his departure.

He confirmed that the man was arrested on July 19 after police investigators had conducted a search of his residence in Arorangi.

In a statement posted on the Cook Islands Police Facebook page in July, police stated that a man caught with 71 cannabis plants was remanded into prison after appearing in court.

He had been arrested and charged over what Police say was a well-constructed and organised crop of cannabis seedlings.

Pitt confirmed that he was remanded into custody by a Saturday arrest court session on July 20 to appear again on July 26, on a charge of cultivating cannabis.

“In that session, the Chief Justice granted bail and he was ordered to surrender his passport and not to leave Rarotonga, among other conditions. The next call over was 30 August, and the court was then informed about the defendant.”

The case has been adjourned to October 25. 

Pitt says the bench warrant will remain in effect until (if/when) he returns.