Hamilton Police credit council camera operators for legal high arrest

Hamilton Police say an effective partnership with the City Council's security camera operators is having a positive effect in keeping psychoactive substances from being illegally sold in the City.

Sergeant Dave Raffan said the call comes after the overnight arrest of a man caught on CCTV selling packets of psychoactive substances in Hamilton's Garden Place.

"Hamilton City Council City Safe camera operators observed the man interacting with several people throughout the evening who appeared to give him money while he passed them small items in return.

"Officers apprehended the man in Garden Place about 10.20pm and found him in possession of 45 2gm bags of an approved brand of synthetic cannabis. The selling of such items from unlicensed premises is a breach of the Psychoactive Substances Act and all licenses approved under this act are currently subject to a temporary suspension imposed by the Ministry of Health."

Mr Raffan said the man told Police he had obtained the packets of synthetic cannabis from a dealer in Te Awamutu and then brought them to Hamilton to on-sell to his customers.

"As a result of his entrepreneurial endeavours the 36-year-old now faces charges relating to the selling of psychoactive products from non-approved premises and breaching the medicines Act in relation to pills he was found in possession of.

"Last night's arrest highlights the value Police place on the City Camera's CCTV capabilities and how they assist in keeping Hamilton safe. Police will continue to monitor how psychoactive substances are being sold in the Waikato and offenders should expect or attentions if they flout the regulations."

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