Police in New Zealand say two teenagers accidentally left a knapsack containing marijuana and cash at a charity shop donation area before returning later in a panic to retrieve it.
The incident took place on February 18 in the Southland region of New Zealand’s South Island, according to a statement from New Zealand Police. A volunteer working at the charity shop noticed a strong smell coming from the bag before opening it.
Inside the knapsack, the volunteer discovered several plastic bags containing 43.2 grams (about 1.5 ounces) of marijuana along with 3,700 New Zealand dollars (about $2,200 USD) in cash.
Recreational marijuana use and selling cannabis remain illegal in New Zealand, although some medical use is allowed with a doctor’s prescription.
Police said the teenagers, a boy and a girl, had left the bag outside the charity shop while they waited for their vehicle to be serviced at a nearby workshop. After realizing the mistake, the teens returned to the charity shop appearing distressed and asked staff about the bag.
Store volunteers contacted police after the teenagers came back looking for the knapsack.
When officers searched the teens’ vehicle, they found an air pistol, additional cash, and a police scanner. In New Zealand, people under 18 cannot possess an air pistol without a license and adult supervision.
Although owning a police scanner is legal in New Zealand, distributing or acting on information heard through police communications is a crime.
Authorities have not released details about what charges the teenagers may face or whether they have appeared in court.
New Zealand law also places limits on reporting details from cases involving young offenders. Most cases involving people under the age of 17 are heard in Youth Court, which restricts what information can be publicly disclosed.