Drug Free Sport New Zealand (DFSNZ) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against Respondent after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance Cannabis. After the notification a provisional suspension was ordered. Respondent filed a statement in his defence and was heard for the Tribunal.
Respondent admitted the violation and stated it was due to smoking a cigarette he was offered while celebrating at his birthday party. He was later informed by the person who gave it to him that it was laced with cannabis oil/hash. His evidence was backed up by a witness. A representative from New Zealand Powerlifting Federation also stated he had known Respondent for 15 years and that these actions were out of character. The Tribunal accepted there was no intent to enhance his sports performance.
The Tribunal notes that there were both aggravating and mitigating factors in this case and finds that these factors balanced themselves out and that in the circumstances four months suspension appropriate.
Therefore the Sports Tribunal of New Zealand decides to impose a 4 month period of ineligibility on the Respondent starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 4 December 2012.
