In an unusual trade, a Hunter man has allegedly used stolen meat to purchase illegal drugs.
The 27-year-old allegedly stole 16 meat products worth $253 and 3 cooler bags from a Rutherford supermarket.
Police analysed CCTV footage which led them to an Alexandra Avenue, Rutherford address.
Police attended the residence where the man was arrested, who then allegedly admitted to trading the stolen meat for cannabis.
The cooler bags were found at the property.
The offender was taken to Maitland Police Station where he was charged with trespassing and theft.
He was granted conditional bail and is expected to appear at Maitland Local Court on the 16th of January.
The man has reportedly been banned from the same supermarket chain's Tamworth store due to an alleged theft.
