Hawke's Bay Police have recovered 97 individual zip-lock bags of synthetic cannabis following a routine traffic stop.
At around 1pm on Wednesday 17 October Police stopped a driver on Flaxmere Avenue, Flaxmere due to the poor condition of his vehicle which did not appear to meet the standard for a warrant of fitness.
After being stopped, the driver, a 25-year-old man, tried to throw a bag and cellphone back into the car.
The bag contained cannabis and cash.
Following this discovery a search of the car was carried out.
Police recovered two large zip-lock bags containing at total of 97 smaller bags of synthetic cannabis.
Senior Sergeant Steve Nicoll says “It’s likely that the synthetic cannabis would have ended up causing significant harm in our communities.”
The 25-year-old man has been arrested and is due to appear in court on Tuesday 23 October facing charges of possession of psychoactive substances for supply and possession of cannabis as well as driving offences.
“This action demonstrates that police will continue to take offending of this nature extremely seriously and will not hesitate to bring people before the courts,” says Senior Sergeant Nicoll.
“We want the public to know we are working hard to stop the spread of this harmful drug.”
“We urge those using synthetic drugs to stop immediately and contact their GP or the Alcohol Drug Helpline for assistance.”
“We also ask members of our community who may think someone has taken synthetic drugs to call 111 immediately and seek medical assistance for them."
Police urge communities to report anyone suspected of making or supplying synthetic drugs.
You can contact your local police station or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre