“Police credit camera operators after psychoactive substances arrests in
Hamilton”

21 August, 2014

Hamilton Police say two recent arrests of people selling banned psychoactive substances show the value of community partnerships in solving problems.

Shift Manager, Senior Sergeant Steve Ambler, said in the latest incident a man was arrested in Garden Place after he was found in possession of 10 packets of "Lemon Grass," a psychoactive substance recalled under the Psychoactive Substances Amendment Act that came into place earlier this year.

"The 18-year-old told us he had originally purchased 15 packets of the substance from a nearby store but sold five packets before we came across him.

"As a result of this our staff carried out a search of a Victoria St business however we did not locate any more illicit substances. The man was charged with selling a non-approved psychoactive product."

Yesterday's arrest came about after sharp eyed Hamilton City Council staff identified the man acting suspiciously on CCTV cameras.

"This incident reinforces the value of the partnership we have with City Cameras staff and follows other successes earlier in the month.

"On 08 August a 24-year-old man was arrested after camera operators noticed what appeared to be the transfer of items in exchange for money.

Responding officers located him and charged him with selling a non-approved psychoactive product but weren't to know they weren't finished with him yet."

Mr Ambler said three hours later the man was found smoking synthetic cannabis in Garden Place.

"He handed over a bag of "Choco Haze," another prohibited substance under the act and he was charged with possession of a non-approved psychoactive product."

"The people of Hamilton have made it very clear they have a very low tolerance for anyone selling or using such harmful products and we would like to channel these feelings into positive results."

Mr Ambler said the best way for people to effect change was if they see something- then do something and that was phoning Police.

"The accurate relaying of information on behaviour such as this enables Police to respond in a timely manner and limit the number of victims of such products.

"Even if you don't feel comfortable speaking to Police directly, you can still do your part by ringing the independent, anonymous Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 and leaving information."

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