Synthetic cannabis sting

Two Controlled Purchase Operations have been run in Western Bay of Plenty this month to see if any retailers were illegally selling psychoactive substances.

The operations were a joint effort between Tauranga Police and Toi Te Ora _ Public Health Service of Bay of Plenty District Health Board.

Volunteers were sent into 15 premises checking the new laws governing the sale of psychoactive substances were being complied with.

Acting Sergeant Craig Rawlinson said all 15 premises, which were checked had not sold substances to the volunteers.

"We will continue to run these operations regularly, making sure that licensed premises are not selling substances to under 18's and unlicensed premises (including dairies and liquor outlets) are not selling the substances at all," he said.

"I would like to thank the people who have already provided information to police about premises possibly breaking the rules, and to encourage anyone else with information to contact either Tauranga police on 07 577 4300, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

"The message to retailers is very clear _ if you sell psychoactive substances illegally, you will be held to account.''