A man has been arrested after police seized almost 100 bags of synthetic drugs following a routine traffic stop in Hastings.
Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
A 25-year-old man was stopped on Wednesday afternoon while driving on Flaxmere Avenue.
After being stopped, he tried to throw a bag containing cannabis and cash back into the car.
The police then searched the car and found 97 bags of synthetic drugs in the car.
The man was arrested and will appear in court next week facing charges of possession of psychoactive substances for supply.
He will also face cannabis and driving charges.
Senior sergeant Steve Nicoll said the synthetic drugs could have caused significant harm to the community.
"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," Mr Nicoll said.
"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."
The police are urging people to report anyone suspected of making or supplying synthetic drugs.