Police probe cannabis link to man's death

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

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

Police launched a homicide investigation after Mr George's torched 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.

"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," said Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Loper.

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

Police hoped to talk to as many people as possible who had dealings with Mr George before he died. Those people could speak confidentially if required, Mr Loper 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."

- NZPA