Two teenagers accidentally left a knapsack containing marijuana and a large amount of cash at a donation area outside a charity shop in New Zealand and later rushed back in panic to recover it, according to New Zealand Police.
A volunteer at the shop became suspicious after noticing a strong smell coming from the bag. When it was opened, the volunteer discovered plastic bags containing 43.2 grams (about 1.5 ounces) of marijuana along with 3,700 New Zealand dollars (around $2,200) in cash, police said in a statement.
Recreational use and sale of marijuana remain illegal in New Zealand, although limited medical use is permitted with a doctor’s prescription.
Police said the incident occurred on Feb. 18 in the Southland Region. Authorities declined to reveal the exact location of the charity shop in order to protect its staff.
According to police, the teenage boy and girl had left the knapsack outside the shop while they were waiting for their vehicle to be serviced at a nearby workshop. Officers were called after the distressed teenagers returned to retrieve the bag.
During a search of the teens’ vehicle, police also discovered an air pistol - which people under 18 are not allowed to possess without a licence and adult supervision - along with a police scanner and additional cash. While owning a police scanner is legal in New Zealand, sharing or acting on information obtained through it is considered an offence.
Authorities did not disclose what charges the teenagers might face or whether they had appeared in court.
New Zealand has strict reporting restrictions on cases involving young offenders. Such matters are typically handled in the Youth Court of New Zealand, where most cases involving defendants under the age of 17 are heard.
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