Police bust alleged drunk driver with nine bags of cannabis

An alleged drunk-driver has been charged after nine bags of cannabis were found in his car during a breath testing stop in East Auckland last night.

Counties Manukau East Area Prevention Manager Inspector Rakana Cook said officers signalled for a driver to slow down to be breath tested at a checkpoint on Dawson Rd just after 6.30pm yesterday.

She said police “immediately noticed a strong smell of cannabis coming from the vehicle”.

“Officers invoked a search of the vehicle and located a substantial amount of cannabis in the footwell of the passenger side of the car.

“A total of nine large zip lock bags with more than 4kgs of cannabis were found inside a large rubbish bag,” Cook said.

“‘The driver also recorded a breath alcohol level of 600 micrograms per litre of breath, more than twice the legal limit.”

A 45-year-old man would appear in Manukau District Court today charged with driving with excess breath alcohol and possession for supply of cannabis.

New ZealandCrime and JusticeAuckland