Eagle-eyed members of the public are being credited with the arrest of a youth selling drugs on Kaikohe's main street.
The young man, believed to be aged 16, was arrested around noon on Thursday after police received a flurry of calls from the public.
Senior Sergeant Chris McLellan, of Far North police, said two officers were sent out on foot but the youth became extremely aggressive. He had to be restrained by the officers and only became cooperative when passers-by and business owners intervened, urging the youth to calm down.
A small amount of cannabis and evidence he had been selling the drug were found. He had been referred to police Youth Aid.
Mr McLellan said he was grateful to the "eagle-eyed" members of the public who had reported the youth's alleged drug-dealing and assisted when he became violent.