A man was arrested for allegedly supplying synthetic cannabis in Napier this afternoon after police executed two search warrants.
Part of Latham Street was in lockdown while police searched a property and armed offenders also marked the street.
A 50-year-old man will appear in the Hastings District Court tomorrow on charges of possession of a non-approved psychoactive substance for the purpose of sale, unlawful possession of a restricted weapon, possession of cannabis seeds and driving whilst forbidden.
Detective Sergeant Craig Vining said police would continue to target the sellers of these products as their client base were often disaffected and vulnerable.
"These substances are extremely dangerous and users can experience severe health issues."
In Auckland there had now been 10 deaths linked to synthetic cannabis, which was understood to be dried herbs laced with rat poison, horse tranquiliser and kitchen spray cleaner.
Mr Vining said that as well as being dangerous to people's health, they knew that the use of these products were a driver of crime with users committing crimes to fund their habits, which caused further harm to the community.
"I would hope that today's warrants and arrest will have other dealers looking over their shoulders because we know there are more out there looking to profit from these users misery."
One neighbour described the scene as "hectic" with about nine police cars and three armed offenders surrounding the property.