Four arrests after drug deal goes wrong

File photo / NZ Herald

Four people have been arrested after a drug deal turned sour in Kaikoura early yesterday, police say.

Three men and a woman had driven from Blenheim to a property in Beach Road, Kaikoura, to meet with three other people about a drug deal, Kaikoura Sergeant Barry Hansen said.

However, the deal "turned to custard" and fighting broke out in the driveway.

Several people had weapons, including a baseball bat and knives, but they were not used.

One man was taken to hospital with head injuries "probably from a punch", he said.

Four people - three from Blenheim and one from Christchurch - were arrested for unlawful assembly and two more were charged with possession of knife.

Another person was likely to be charged with possession of cannabis utensils, Mr Hansen said.

- NZPA