Joint Hamilton operation aims at preventing community harm from sale of synthetic cannabis

Agencies working in partnership to prevent harm associated with the sale of synthetic cannabis want the public to celebrate the businesses who have placed people ahead of profits by refusing to sell such substances.

East Hamilton Community Constable Briar Hallam said Operation Dairy was all about educating business owners of the risks to the community by the sale of synthetic cannabis.

"Our operation compliments similar initiatives conducted across the country and is in partnership with the Hamilton City Council, Waikato District Health Board and interested media.

"As a pilot 20 East Hamilton dairies and superettes have been visited and asked to voluntarily abstain from selling the K2 products. We've already met with considerable success with 11 businesses already suspending sales and another two stores likely to follow."

Ms Hallam said while it is always good to get voluntary compliance, as of last Thursday, stores selling K2 synthetic cannabis will be breaking the law.

"Last month Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne announced a Temporary Class Drug Notice banning substances found in tested samples of K2 synthetic cannabis. Those two banned substances are BB-22 and 5F-AKB48 which have both been found in K2 products.

"The ban on the two substances brings to 35 the number of substances banned under temporary notices and will prevent avoidable harm to the community before the Psychoactive Substances Bill becomes law in August."

Ms Hallam said some of the businesses approached about pulling the products off the shelves prior to Thursday's ban declined to do so because they would miss out on lucrative sales.

"But what Operation Dairy is all about is celebrating those businesses who've stepped up to the mark and care about their community.

"On Thursday teams will be going to these businesses and putting up posters stating; 'We choose not to sell synthetic cannabinoids'. But we're asking other businesses, schools and organisations to show their support as well by placing a second poster in their window which says; 'We choose not to support the sale of cannabinoids'."

While launched in East Hamilton the initiative will expand across the City and wider Waikato with Police, health and education providers recognising the risks associated with the continuing sale of the substances leading up to August's law change.

Waikato District Health Board spokeperson Mary Anne Gill said all agencies involved had recognised the risks posed by the drugs not only in the City but in smaller communities as well.

"We've seen a number of issues at the Emergency Department in Waikato Hospital while our mental health staff in the Thames- Coromandel have recorded some disturbing side affects on users.

"We don't think people are aware of the adverse effects of these synthetic drugs which are so easily available."

Ms Gill said those side effects have included severe paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations.

"People coming down from the drug have experienced vomiting and a lack of control over their muscles or bodily functions. There has also been cases of the inability to speak, not eat and lack of sensation leading to one person being burnt under a shower!

"In the Thames- Coromandel area, almost every second case our mental health staff have discussed over recent months has had some element of the use of the synthetic drug K2. It has been devastating for many of our young population and their families, in one particular case from the Child and Adolescent team involved a teenager who went into three consecutive seizures, lasting a total of 21 minutes."

Ms Hallam said it was because of these risks that the businesses who have already agreed to ban the drugs should be applauded while those continuing to prey on the vulnerable should be identified.

"If you or your children know of an outlet selling so called 'legal highs' then we want to hear from you. The substances in products such as K2 are illegal and Police will be vigilant in enforcing the law to reduce the product's harmful effects on the community.

"Anyone with information on persons selling synthetic cannabinoids is asked to contact Waikato Police on 07 858 6200, alternatively information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers, they key is to get the information out there and reduce the risk.

East Hamilton businesses who have chosen not to sell synthetic cannabinoids so far

Silverdale Road Mini Mart Tudor Dairy
Silverdale Produce Planet EMM Js Dairy
Hillcrest Superette East Street Superette
Cambridge Road Dairy Claudlands Food Centre
Edinburgh Superette Cameron Road Food Market
Peachgrove Food Market

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