Eight arrests after illegal highs found

Police have concerns for the region's youth after finding a haul of illegally manufactured psychoactive substances.

Hawke's Bay Police have seized several kilos of illegally-manufactured psychoactive substances and over $10,000 cash and firearms in raids this week.

Eight people are facing charges relating to the operation this week, which targeted the sale and distribution of illegal psychoactive substances in Hawke's Bay. Twelve houses in Napier and Hastings were searched, including properties in Maraenui, Onekawa, Taradale and Havelock North. Police also found stolen property (mainly electrical items), numerous cannabis plants and packaged cannabis allegedly ready for sale.

Just over four kilogrammes of psychoactive substances were found in the Napier houses.

Five firearms - a mixture of shotguns and air rifles - were also seized in the raids. The six males and two females from Napier and Hastings have been charged with various offences including possession of psychoactive substances for supply, receiving stolen property and unlawfully possessing firearms.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Darren Pritchard said the psychoactive substances were being sold in "deal bags" from houses. It was not known where the drug was being sourced from.

"This was a local drug ring where offenders operated out of suburban homes in both cities. They have created a major drug problem in Hawke's Bay and we are determined to take a hard line on anyone who engages in this type of illegal activity.

"They are doing massive harm to our community and it's important that we stamp out this drug trade and hold those responsible to account," Mr Pritchard said.

The psychoactive substances seized are a leaf or herbal extract and are laced with household cleaning products and other chemicals. They were "extremely hazardous" and essentially poisonous.

Napier community police say they have grave concerns for the health and wellbeing of their young people, who are being targeted in the sale of illegal psychoactive substances.

Sergeant Cam Donnison of the Maraenui Neighbourhood Policing Team said police were regularly dealing with teenagers, many as young as 11 and 12, who were using the drug regularly and developing habits.

"This drug is having a major impact on the health of our kids - they are literally walking around like zombies and can't focus on anything. Police and other agencies have come across kids lying on their backs and shaking, just like a fly that has been sprayed with fly spray.

"These substances are doing incredible damage to these kids' brains and are sucking the life out of them," Mr Donnison said.

Mr Donnison believes the drug suppliers are targeting young people because they are vulnerable, easily influenced and will not resist the aggressive approaches from dealers to buy the drug.

As a result, burglaries and other crime had increased markedly in the area due to young people trying to finance their drug habits.