Teens Accidentally Donate Bag Full of Weed, Cash
In this image provided by the New Zealand Police items donated to a charity story including marijuana and cash are displayed in Southland, New Zealand, Feb. 18, 2026. (New Zealand Police via AP)
Two teenagers in New Zealand accidentally left a knapsack containing marijuana and cash at a charity shop’s donation area, then returned in a panic to retrieve it, police said Monday, according to the AP.
A store volunteer noticed a strong smell coming from the bag before opening it and discovering plastic bags containing 43.2 grams (1.5 ounces) of marijuana, along with 3,700 New Zealand dollars (about $2,200), New Zealand Police reported. Recreational use and sale of marijuana are illegal in New Zealand, though some medical use is allowed with a doctor’s prescription.
The incident occurred on February 18 in the Southland region of the South Island. Police did not disclose the shop’s exact location to protect staff. According to authorities, the boy and girl had left the knapsack outside the store while waiting for their vehicle to be serviced at a nearby workshop. Officers were called when the teens returned visibly upset.
Police also discovered an air pistol—which requires a license and adult supervision for those under 18—a police scanner, and additional cash in the teens’ car. While possessing a police scanner is legal in New Zealand, using information from it to commit crimes is illegal. Police did not release details about any charges or court appearances, citing strict reporting rules for cases involving alleged offenders under 17, which are usually handled in the Youth Court.
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