Man jailed for dealing synthetic cannabis in central Rotorua

William Rua. Photo/file

A man who sold synthetic cannabis in central Rotorua has been sent to jail for four-and-a-half months.

William Rua, 62, appeared in the Rotorua District Court today for sentencing after previously pleading guilty to two charges - possession for sale/supply of non-approved psychoactive product and possessing the drug.

Judge Greg Hollister-Jones said he needed to send a strong message that dealing this drug would result in prison sentences.

The police summary of facts said Rua was seen to sell a deal bag to a woman for $18 in the middle of the day on Tuesday, August 8 on Amohia St, near St Luke's Church.

Police searched Rua's home and found $1350 cash on him and a deal bag of non-approved psychoactive substance, which police said was synthetic cannabis.

Rua's lawyer, Dafydd Malcolm, said the quantity in each bag was the equivalent of one cannabis "tinny" (small amount of cannabis in tinfoil).

Malcolm said Rua lived a cash lifestyle and preferred to carry money on him because he shared his home with others.

He asked the judge to consider community work. However, Judge Hollister-Jones said the only sentence he would give was prison.

Judge Hollister-Jones said Rua's pre-sentence report showed Rua had declined to agree to electronic sentencing, meaning home detention was not an option.

The judge said he was also reluctant to keep Rua in the community given he did not express remorse and had indicated he would continue to use drugs.

"You have drug supportive attitudes therefore I am not going to leave you in the community."

Judge Hollister-Jones said there was a need to hold Rua to account and send a message that dealing in psychoactive substances, even small amounts, would result in prison sentences.