A drug with the same name as one being linked to extreme violence and self-harm overseas is being made available in New Zealand.
Known as 'Bath Salts' the drug is blamed for turning sane people into psychotics, and ONE News has been able to buy a similarly named product over the counter in an Auckland shop.
"These substances are being ordered through various internet sites and also brought in illegally through the border," Detective Inspector Stuart Mills from the National Drug Intelligence Bureau said.
Early on Sunday morning police were called to a street on Auckland's North Shore by a young man concerned for his friend who he said had taken a 'Bath Salt' type drug.
"Before the car had even stopped he charged at the vehicle and leapt at the bonnet and into the front windscreen," officer Les Paterson said.
"He came off the car, I believe he took a windscreen wiper with him as he went... it became evident he was in an extremely hostile mood."
The 27-year-old had to be Tasered twice, pepper sprayed and physically restrained.
Police have sent a sample of white powder for testing but it is believed the man snorted the synthetic stimulant Mephedrone, a class-C controlled drug in New Zealand, but legal in the US where it has the street name 'Bath Salts'.
"This drug has very similar impacts to the use of cocaine and amphetamines so therefore it is a risk to users and also the community," Paterson said.
ONE News was able to buy a locally distributed 'Bath Salt' in an Auckland shop which claimed it was legal and natural.
However, the full ingredients were not listed on the packet and the product's website says it is 'not fit for human consumption' in a disclaimer.
Have you had an experience with Bath Salts in New
Zealand? Contact
amy.kelley@tvnz.co.nz