Hamilton Police say while the circumstances surrounding the antics of a group of alleged synthetic cannabis sellers and their clients played out like a B grade movie with the arrival of Police, the risks posed by their activities were far more serious.
Detective Sergeant Will Loughrin of the Hamilton CIB said officers could scarcely believe their eyes as customers wormed their way around Police cars and staff in the driveway of a Hamilton East home still intent on buying illegal product as their dealers were being arrested.
"Acting on information gathered by our staff, Police went to a Myrtle St property late yesterday afternoon seeking people allegedly involved in the illegal selling of synthetic cannabis products.
"When we entered the home we found six people sitting around a table with a large amount of synthetic cannabis products and cash."
Mr Loughrin said as officers came in one man fled outside and attempted to escape the property.
"He threw several small bags of product over the fence as he fled, into a neighbouring child care centre's playground.
"One our officers chased the offender and tackled him to the ground, still clutching a fistful of dollars as he struggled."
If the officers processing the scene thought that was the end of any issues, Mr Loughrin said they were sadly mistaken.
"We could scarcely believe what we were seeing as potential customers continued to come up the drive, weave past our cars and other officers in the pursuit of purchasing their next fix.
"One woman that we issued a warning to had $1200 on her person that she intended purchasing synthetic cannabis products with."
While the behaviour of potential customers left a lot to be desired the gratitude of local residents was well received by Police at the scene.
"A number of local residents commented they were pleased by our presence as now their kids could play outside safely and not be exposed to the undesirable behaviour of people frequenting the property.
"As a result of our enquiries 22 1.2gm bags of pre-packaged product was recovered along with two larger bags which were intended to be broken down. Over $6000 in cash was also seized along with scales, tick lists and weapons."
Mr Loughrin said one 37-year-old man will be appearing in the Hamilton District Court today on Selling, offering to sell and possession to supply synthetic cannabis charges while a 39-year-old year-old man faces selling synthetic cannabis and possession for sale charges.
"Three other people will face possession charges in court next week while another two, in addition to the woman mentioned earlier received warnings.
"Yesterday's operation highlights the importance of the public seeing something and doing something about it and that is ringing 111. Alternatively you can leave information anonymously with the independent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."
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