By SCOTT INGLIS
Thirty cannabis "tinnies" were found hidden on a three-month-old baby when police raided a Rotorua gang drug house yesterday.
Police last night described the incident as despicable and have brought in social welfare agencies to deal with the baby's mother.
The drugs, worth $600, were found hidden in the baby's shawl during a major search on a Ruth St "tinnie" house about 12.30 pm.
The Herald understands a sawn-off air rifle was also seized at the house occupied by Black Power associates.
Senior Sergeant Mike Dingwall said a bag with 10 foils or "tinnies" were thrown out of a window at the house when police arrived with a warrant, issued under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Two men and two women were inside and were searched and an 18-year-old man was arrested and charged with possession of cannabis.
He is due to appear in the Rotorua District Court next Wednesday.
But the police officers inside the house became suspicious of the way the parents of the baby were acting and decided to also search the baby.
They found the foils, worth $20 each, hidden in its shawl.
Five other children, aged up to 18, were also present.
The baby's mother and a 33-year-old woman were arrested with a 31-year-old man and charged with possession of cannabis for supply.
Senior Sergeant Dingwall was incensed that adults would use young children like this in their drug dealings.
"I think it's despicable. We're extremely concerned that people could do this ... I find it bloody offensive."
He said police did not like to search children out of common decency unless they had to.
Senior Sergeant Dingwall and other police said it was not unknown for drug dealers to hide drugs on young children.
Police have reported the incident to social welfare agencies for follow-up.
The Commissioner for Children, Roger McClay, described it as an appalling example of the way some parents treated their children.
"This shows how vigilant society has to be to keep children safe from those guardians who do not know the meaning of responsibility.
"My heart would grieve little if this child was uplifted from its mother and for me that is a very strong thing to say."
Search finds drugs on baby
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