Security Licence Denied After Drug Convictions

By S Hussain · 1 Oct, 2025 05:00 AM

Wellington, A man convicted of serious drug offences has been denied a licence to work in private security after the industry’s licensing authority ruled his convictions made him unsuitable for the role. 

The decision concerns Auckland man Evander Faleafa Pio, who had applied for a certificate of approval (COA) to work in security earlier this year. Police opposed the application, citing pending charges at the time. After Mr. Pio was convicted earlier this month of drug-related offences, the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority formally declined his application. 

In January 2025, Mr. Pio applied for a COA and a temporary licence that would have allowed him to work in security while his full application was considered. Police initially agreed to the temporary licence if he secured a job with a reputable security company, but made clear they would continue to oppose a full licence if he was later convicted. 

On September 4, 2025, Mr. Pio was convicted of possession of cannabis for supply, selling or dealing in cannabis and ketamine, and failing to carry out obligations in relation to a computer search. He was sentenced to six months of community detention with a 12-hour daily curfew and one year of supervision. 

Under the law, convictions for drug supply and related offences are grounds for automatic disqualification from holding a security licence. 

Before his conviction, Mr. Pio told the authorities he wanted the chance to prove himself as a reliable security worker. He said his sentencing judge had approved his relocation to Auckland so he could work with his brother, who was employed by a security company. Work and Income had also supported his application by paying the licence fee and funding his mandatory training. Mr. Pio argued at the time that he was trying to turn his life around and sought the opportunity to build a career in security.

In its decision, the authority noted that since his convictions, Mr. Pio had not provided any evidence that he had found or held a security job. He also did not attend the September 19 hearing or submit further written arguments in response to police objections. The authority said that three of his convictions are disqualifying offences under the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act. It concluded that someone currently serving a sentence of community detention for drug supply is not suitable to work as a responsible security employee. 

“Mr. Faleafa Pio’s application for a certificate of approval is accordingly declined,” the authority stated. 

The ruling means Mr. Pio is restricted from working in private security while serving his sentence and for as long as his disqualifying convictions remain on record. Unlike suspended licence holders, whose eligibility may be revisited on the basis of good conduct, those applicants with disqualifying convictions are not usually made eligible unless they are granted a waiver. This is a rare possibility that requires the best evidence of rehabilitation.  

The case brings out the high level of strictness on individuals who desire to be employed in the security sector, where workers are bound to prove their worthiness and reliability owing to their roles of securing people and property. 

At this point, Mr. Pio cannot take up security work as the decision of the authority does not give him a chance, despite his admission of wanting to change the direction of his life.