Pacific / French Polynesia

Cirque de Soleil billionaire detained in Tahiti

14:11 pm on 14 November 2019

A founder of Cirque de Soleil, Guy Laliberte, has been detained for questioning in French Polynesia for allegedly growing cannabis.

Cannabis plants. Photo: AFP

Reports say the Canadian billionaire was taken into custody for growing cannabis on his island Nukutepipi.

His company Lune Rouge has confirmed the detention, saying he is a user for medical reasons.

It dismisses what it says is a rumour that he was dealing drugs.

Mr Laliberte rents out his island for $US1.2 million a week, which includes 16 villas and employs 120 staff.