The controversial decision to grant a Czech drug smuggler residency in New Zealand has come under fire, with Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway today forced to release a letter detailing the strict conditions in which it was granted.
Karel Sroubek, who goes by the name Jan Antolik, was jailed for five years and nine months after he was found guilty of importing nearly 5kgs of the drug MDMA, also known as Ecstasy, with a street value of $375,000.
Mr Sroubek was denied parole last month.
The 37-year-old was subject for deportation after entering the country under a false identity, but has been granted residency.
Mr Lees-Galloway released a letter today, sent to Mr Sroubek, outlining the "strict conditions he must meet in both the short term and longer term" but "in no way do I condone any of the behaviour that he is associated with".
"Any breach of these conditions is likely to lead to his deportation. As I have conveyed to him, I've given him one final chance to remain in New Zealand and live within our laws."
The letter details conditions including that he not be convicted of another offence, either in New Zealand or elsewhere; not using a fraudulent identity; and not providing misleading, or concealing, information in his dealings with government agencies.
The conditions are subject over the next five years, beginning after his release from prison.
"I can assure the public that this was a decision taken in full view of the information presented to me, and not a decision that I have made lightly," Mr Lees-Galloway said.
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