Police insist common sense will apply to possession cases as they check synthetic drugs are off shelves today.
Police and Ministry of Health enforcement officers will visit Auckland retailers of psychoactive substances today to ensure synthetic cannabis products have been taken off shelves.
It is now illegal to possess, distribute or sell these products with a $500 fine for possessing a small amount of a psychoactive substance.
Possessinga large amount with intention to supply is punishable by up to two years' jail or a fine of $500,000.
Retailers and manufacturers will not be compensated for their losses.
Inspector Rob Duindam of Police National Headquarters said police would focus on the 148 retailers to ensure they have taken appropriate steps to remove all illegal products from sale.
"Police have already started visiting retailers in some districts to ensure they are prepared for the law change.
"It will be an offence to possess, supply or sell psychoactive products, however Police will take a common sense approach in simple possession matters involving users. The important thing at the moment is that we focus on minimising harm to users by ensuring that products are removed from sale in an orderly way and that retailers comply," Mr Duindam said.
Police, Ministry of Health enforcement officers and the Psychoactive Substances Regulatory Authority will continue to monitor the situation and respond to community concerns.
