Police seize synthetic cannabis worth $25k in Canberra raids
Police seized about $25,000 worth of synthetic cannabis during raids on three retail outlets across Canberra on Monday.
Officers discovered 520 packets of various brands of synthetic cannabinoids when they searched businesses in Belconnen, Calwell and Wanniassa about 10am, following a tip off from a member of the public.
Some of the products seized by police. Photo: ACT Policing
Several people are helping police with their inquiries.
Investigations are ongoing.
Some of the synthetic cannabinoids seized in the search on Monday. Photo: ACT Policing.
The synthetic drugs combine herbs and chemicals and mimic the psychoactive effects of cannabis.
They have been sold under names such as Kronic, Spice and Northern Lights.
Detective Sergeant Shane Scott said the sale and use of synthetic drugs was illegal in the ACT.
“If business owners are unsure of the content of their products then they need to consider removing them from their store completely or seek advice from the Therapeutic Goods Administration,'' he said.
Perpetrators face up to five years in prison and fines of up to $55,000 for individuals and $275,000 for businesses if substances are found to be illegal.
Detective Sergeant Scott said information from the public had been crucial to the drug seizure, and encouraged citizens to report crime to Crime Stoppers via crimestoppers.com.au or 1800 333 000.