Waikato police have made their first prosecution against a shopkeeper selling synthetic cannabis product K2. Photo / FIle
Waikato police have made their first prosecution against a shopkeeper selling synthetic cannabis product K2. Photo / FIle
Waikato Police and the District Health Board hope the first prosecution under the new Psychoactive Substances Act is a lesson to other retailers.
Police district prevention manager Inspector Paul Carpenter said a review of evidence resulting from last week's search of a Beerescourt store, in which more than 1200 packetsof synthetic cannabis products were seized, has resulted in the owner being summonsed on two charges under the Psychoactive Substances Act.
"The 33-year-old man has been charged on one count of selling/supplying a non-approved psychoactive product under section 70 (1) (a) of the Act," said Mr Carpenter.
"He faces a second charge of possession for sale/supply of a non-approved psychoactive product under section 70 (1) (c) of the same act. We understand these are the first charges made since the act's introduction."
Police and the DHB say they would rather prevent harm than take enforcement action but hope the prosecution will prevent other business owners contemplating breaking the law.
Waikato District Health Board health protection advisor Nick Young said the DHB took no pleasure in having the first dairy or superettee in the country being prosecuted under this legislation being in Hamilton.
"It is concerning to see some ignoring the new law and we hope the message is getting through. Under the legislation, the penalties for this are high, so we hope this sends a strong message to other retailers looking to flout the law. As the year goes by we will be doing more enforcement."
