MLA owned drug shop

A southern politician brought to the Territory by the CLP to devise a school-based cadet program once owned shops that sold drug paraphernalia.

WA Liberal Mike Board told the Northern Territory News last night that he once owned Agung Trading Australia, which sold water pipes and drug manuals.

“I was part-owner of some shops and some of them sold smoking paraphernalia,” he said.

“That wasn’t a large part of the business but it was there.”

Mr Board visited Darwin this month to assist the CLP with its plan to introduce a cadet program in Territory schools.

The former WA youth affairs minister was instrumental in developing a similar program in his home state.

CLP leader Terry Mills said he was aware of Mr Board’s former business activities.

But he said it wasn’t an issue.

“He told me about an alleged connection that he had, or his company had, with a company that sold dope paraphernalia,” he said.

“It’s something that was dredged up way, way before his time in parliament.”

Mr Board said he owned one of the stores in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s.

He said he was not aware that they sold the legal drug paraphernalia when he bought them.

But he said after becoming aware, he continued to sell the pipes because he thought the laws surrounding marijuana smoking could be relaxed.

“That is something way back in my business past,” he said.

“It a decision I made when I was in my 20s – it was an error of judgment.”

Mr Board said he had never smoked marijuana and did not support its use. “We have been vocal against any changes in the law,” he said.

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: 19th August 2004
Source: Northern Territory News (Australia)
Author: Paul Dyer
Copyright: 2004 Northern Territory News
Contact: ntnmail@ntn.newsltd.com.au
Website: http://ntnews.news.com.au/