Drugs thrown into childcare centre

The childcare centre where the illegal drugs were discarded. Photo / Supplied

A man fleeing police threw synthetic cannabis into a childcare centre as he tried to evade arrest.

Hamilton Police said the man's actions were not the only shock during the raid on a house in Claudelands.

The alleged dealer's customers arrived at the house and, despite the presence of police, still tried to buy the illegal drug.

One women, who received a warning, was carrying $1200 cash.

Detective Sergeant Will Loughrin of the Hamilton CIB said officers could scarcely believe their eyes as customers wormed their way around police cars and staff in the driveway of the Myrtle St house, still intent on buying the synthetic cannabis as the alleged dealers were being arrested.

Police had arrived after a tip-off to find six people gathered around a table with a large amount of synthetic cannabis products and cash.

Mr Loughrin said as officers went in one man fled outside and attempted to escape the property.

"He threw several small bags of product over the fence as he fled, into a neighbouring childcare centre's playground.

"One our officers chased the offender and tackled him to the ground, still clutching a fistful of dollars as he struggled."

Shortly after several people arrived to buy their next fix even while police were at the scene, Mr Loughrin said.

Police arrested five people including a 37-year-old man due to appear in the Hamilton District Court today charged with selling, offering to sell and possession to supply synthetic cannabis, and a 39-year-old man who faces charges for selling and possession of the drug.

Two other people were given warnings.

In total police seized $6000 cash and 22, 1.2 gram bags of product, as well as scales and weapons.