Teenagers Arrested After Cannabis and Cash Found in Charity Donation

Two teenagers in New Zealand have been arrested following the accidental donation of a backpack containing cannabis and a substantial amount of cash to a charity shop. The incident occurred in the Southland region, where a shop volunteer discovered the bag in the donation area and was alerted by a strong smell. Upon inspection, the bag was found to contain several plastic bags of marijuana weighing 43.2 grams and NZ$3,700 (approximately $2,200) in cash.

The teenagers, both aged 16, had left the backpack outside the shop while waiting for a vehicle to be serviced on February 18. They later returned to the shop in an agitated state, looking for the missing bag. Recreational cannabis use and sale are illegal in New Zealand, making the contents of the bag particularly concerning.

Charity shop staff initially assumed the bag was a regular donation until the distinctive aroma prompted further investigation. A police spokesperson explained to the New Zealand Herald that the smell led to the discovery of the illegal contents.

Following the arrest of the teenagers, police conducted a search of their vehicle. This search revealed additional items, including an air pistol, which requires a license and supervision for those under 18, a police scanner, and more cash. While possession of a police scanner is not illegal in New Zealand, using or distributing information obtained from it is considered a crime.

Details regarding charges or court appearances for the teenagers have not been disclosed, as New Zealand has strict regulations concerning the reporting of cases involving minors before the Youth Court. The legal status of cannabis in New Zealand remains a contentious issue, with a 2020 referendum narrowly rejecting the legalization of recreational cannabis use.