Police have arrested a man after discovering more than three-quarters of a kilogram of cannabis and synthetics along with cash totalling $32,000 at a rural property between Nuhaka and Mahia.
The discoveries, including 450 grams and 330 grams of synthetic cannabis, were made during a search on Wednesday, and the 33-year-old arrested man appears in Wairoa District Court on Friday.
He is charged with possession of cannabis plant for supply and possession of a non-approved psychoactive substance for sale or supply.
It was the latest in a series of drugs bust in the Wairoa district in recent months, including two people arrested between Christmas Day and New Year's Day along with the discovery of methamphetamine with a street value up to $1 million. Eight people were arrested in September when police seized firearms and cash, and had restraining orders placed over seven homes, a jetski, an excavator, a Mini Cooper and a Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Police Wairoa area response manager Maui Aben said on Wednesday: "This was a significant seizure of synthetic cannabis — something we don't often see in our area."
