MAN'S DEATH NEAR TAUPO MAY HAVE CANNABIS DEAL LINK - POLICE

The man whose body was found in the burnt-out remains of a farm house
in Tirohanga, near Taupo, may have been killed over a cannabis deal,
police said today.

Stephen George, a 35-year-old father of four, was found on October 9
but his remains were so badly burnt he had to be identified through
DNA testing.

Police launched a homicide investigation after Mr George's burnt-out
Nissan Primera was found on a rural road near Mangakino on October
13.

Inquiries by police into Mr George's activities revealed he may have
been involved in the cultivation and supply of cannabis to people in
the Te Awamutu and Kihikihi areas.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Loper said Mr George's involvement in
the drug scene was one avenue of inquiry that had resulted from
information provided by members of the public. "We are looking into
this aspect of Mr George's life so we can piece together what actually
happened on the day he died and any events leading up to that.

"His death may be linked to his involvement with drugs - we cannot
rule that out."

Mr Loper said police were hopeful of talking to as many people as
possible who had dealings with Mr George before he died.

People could speak to police confidentially if required, he
said.

"We know that some people may be reluctant to come forward and talk to
us, but we appeal to those people to help us bring closure to Stephen
George's death.

"He has a family who desperately want some answers as to how their
son, husband and brother died."

Mr Loper said police believed two or more people were probably
involved in Mr George's death but there was no one specific person of
interest.

"We are making an appeal to the drug community in the Waikato to help
us solve this murder.

"Someone will know how and why Stephen George died and we need that
information."