A routine response to a robbery escalated into a drug arrest after a police officer encountered a vehicle fleeing at speed near the Bombay off-ramp on Wednesday evening.
Police say the incident occurred about 5.50pm when a blue hatchback accelerated away from an officer displaying red and blue lights, overtaking vehicles along the road shoulder.
The Eagle helicopter was deployed to track the car as it exited at Pōkeno and continued at speed through Tuakau. After an unsuccessful attempt to deploy road spikes, the vehicle was stopped on Alexandra Redoubt Road.
The driver exited carrying a black rubbish bag, which was later found to contain a large quantity of cannabis.
A 16-year-old driver was taken into custody without incident, referred to Youth Aid Services, and the vehicle was impounded for six months. Police say the seizure will significantly disrupt the local illegal cannabis trade.
