Former top NZ cop back in Cook Islands court

A former New Zealand police officer has been arrested for allegedly operating as a local drug dealer and selling cannabis from a bar. File photo / NZ Herald

A former top New Zealand cop has reappeared in court in the Cook Islands on drugs charges.

Mark Franklin is a former Detective Inspector who left the New Zealand police force five years ago.

He's among 13 people facing drugs charges following a year long police operation.

Franklin remains in custody but will reappear in court on Tuesday for a bail hearing with a judge.

- Newstalk ZB