Police have this morning arrested an 18-year-old Hokitika man in relation to the sale and supply of MDMA.
The arrest follows the execution of search warrants in Hokitika this morning.
"Police are aware there has been a lot of recent concern locally about the possible presence of MDMA or other illicit drugs in Hokitika and other parts of the West Coast," says Detective Senior Sergeant Kirsten Norton.
"We take these concerns seriously and I hope this arrest provides some reassurance to our community."
The man is due to appear in Greymouth District Court next week.
"As we head into the summer months, we know that many members of our community will be heading out to events and festivals, where there may be illicit drugs present."
The best thing people can do to prevent any risk is not to take illicit drugs.
"Police strongly recommend people take extreme care - as what they think they may be taking may in fact be a completely different drug or substance," says Detective Senior Sergeant Norton.
If you or someone you know experience concerning or unexpected effects after taking something, please report it to High Alert, New Zealand's drug early warning system, at www.highalert.org.nz. This is an anonymous function and helps keep others safe.
