Drug thief's life could be at risk

Police say a young woman may put her life at risk by taking a "potent" drug she stole at knifepoint in Napier yesterday.

"She was only given a small amount but if she took the lot in one go it would be lethal," detective constable Wendy Wright of Napier CIB said.

The incident happened just after 3pm when the woman, described as Caucasian in her early 20s, walked into the Odeon Pharmacy in Hastings Street and approached the woman pharmacist.

The young woman pulled out a pocket knife, waved it at the pharmacist and demanded a certain drug.

The pharmacist complied and handed a small amount over and the woman made off on foot along Hastings Street toward Emerson Street.

"It was all over very quickly and no violence was involved."

Police said they were concerned for the offender's well-being. "For her own good she needs to be found."

The pharmacist did not want to talk about what happened.

"I'll leave that to the police, but we are fine," she said.

Two assistants were also in the shop at the time of the robbery.

- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY