Four Oamaru shops refused to sell herbal cannabinoid products to an underage buyer during a recent police and Southern District Health Board operation.
A 16-year-old was sent into the shops during the operation, which followed questions from the Otago Daily Times about the products' legality.
Senior Sergeant Jason McCoy was yesterday pleased by the result, but disappointed synthetic cannabinoid being sold as herbal mixtures was still available under the counter in Oamaru shops, although the specific products had not been banned.
The ODT learnt last month that "herbal products" were available on request in some Oamaru shops. One of its North Otago reporters went to one shop and was charged $20 for one product.
The newspaper then approached Oamaru police, who had the substance tested but found, at that time, it was legal.
The products were only legally available to people over 18, and Oamaru police subsequently decided to carry out a "controlled purchase" operation using a 16-year-old and the four shops believed to have the product available.
"None sold to the underage purchaser," Snr Sgt McCoy said.
About 25 products have been banned under the legislation introduced by Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne and aimed at synthetic cannabinoid such as Kronic. New products have taken the place of those banned.
About 25 substances have so far been banned.
