Two teenagers in New Zealand have been arrested after allegedly abandoning a backpack containing cannabis and thousands of dollars at a charity shop donation site. The police confirmed the incident occurred in the Southland region when a volunteer at the store detected a strong odour emanating from a recently donated backpack.
New Zealand charity shop volunteer raises alarm
According to finedayradio, upon inspection, the volunteer discovered several plastic bags containing 43.2 grams of marijuana. This is alongside NZ$3,700 (approximately US$2,200) in cash, according to a police statement.
Police allege the teenage boy and girl placed the backpack at the donation site while waiting for their vehicle. When they realised their error and returned to retrieve the bag, authorities were already en route to the scene.
Findings by Charity Journal reveal that recreational cannabis use and sales remain illegal in New Zealand. Although limited medical applications are permitted with a doctor’s prescription.
Police find an unlicensed air pistol and a scanner during search
Following the discovery, officers searched the teenagers’ vehicle and located further items of interest. This also included an unlicensed air pistol, a police scanner, and additional cash.
The police state that possessing a police scanner is not itself an offence under New Zealand law. However, it warns that utilising information obtained from it for illegal purposes is strictly prohibited.
“Furthermore, individuals under 18 cannot legally possess an air pistol without appropriate licensing and adult supervision,” the statement added.
However, the police have not released specific details regarding the charges the teenagers may face or whether they have appeared in court. Strict reporting restrictions apply to New Zealand’s Youth Court proceedings, which typically handle matters involving suspects under the age of 17.
Meanwhile, to ensure the safety and privacy of the charity shop staff involved, police declined to disclose the exact location of the store. It confirms only that it was situated in the Southland region of the South Island.
In a separate development, Indonesian authorities have said that a minister’s video promising Ramadan cash aid is fake. Authorities indicate that the video was altered by AI.