A YOUTH was found to be in possession of cannabis when a group of young people were searched by officers following patrols in Wellington.

Officers from Wellington conducted anti-social behaviour patrols of Wellington basins and rugby club last night (October 9) and identified a group of youths congregating in the skate park. 

In a post on Facebook today (October 10) Sgt Dan Bishop, Neighbourhood Sergeant for Wellington, said drug paraphernalia and alcohol related litter has been left by youths in the area over the past few weekends. 

A group of young people in the area quickly dispersed when police arrived and left behind broken bottles, 'countless Nitrous Oxide canisters' and other drug related paraphernalia.

A few of the youths were stopped by police when they were trying to leave the area and searched by officers. 

Officers found cannabis on a young man while they were searching him. 

Sgt Bishop said: "This male will be interviewed with a parent / guardian present over the weekend before a decision made on what course of action will be taken."

He also warned young people in Wellington who use Nitrous Oxide that if they are caught they could serve a lengthy jail sentence.

"A message to all youths in Wellington who engage in the use of Nitrous oxide (also referred to as Balloons, Nos, Whippits, Laughing Gas, Hippie Crack or Chargers). As of 2016 nitrous oxide is covered by the Psychoactive Substances Act and is illegal to supply for its psychoactive effect," Sgt Bishop said.

"If you are in possession of Nitrous Oxide canisters and you share these amongst your friends, this would constitute an offence of supply which you can be arrested for and face up to seven years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.

"It is also important that you note the many physical health risks as a result of using Nitrous Oxide.

1. It is very dangerous to inhale nitrous oxide directly from the canister, and doing it in an enclosed space is also very dangerous.

2. If you take too much nitrous oxide you risk falling unconscious and/or suffocating from the lack of oxygen. People have died this way.

3. Heavy regular use of nitrous oxide can lead to serious nerve damage, causing tingling and numbness in the fingers and toes. This can be very painful and make walking difficult.

4. Regular use can stop you forming white blood cells properly.

"Your Wellington Police Team will be out an patrol across Wellington again this evening."

It was a busy day for officers in Wellington as they arrested a motorist last night for driving under the influence of drugs for failing a drug swipe. 

Yesterday afternoon officers also stopped a female driver just after she had picked up her children from school. 

The woman had no driving licence, no insurance, no MOT and no tax. 

She was reported to the police and her vehicle was seized and is now off the road.