A Waikato man was allegedly caught with a large amount of meth after fleeing from police during a search.

Eastern Waikato area commander Inspector Mike Henwood said a 38-year-old man was arrested following a “foot pursuit” on Terminus St, Te Aroha, last night.

“At approximately 7pm an officer observed a vehicle parked on the main street of Te Aroha with a number of people gathered around it,” Henwood said.

“Officers approached the vehicle and spoke with the occupant. The officers observed drug paraphernalia in plain view and carried out a search.”

Henwood said the man took off during the search.

“During the search, the man fled on foot along Terminus St. Officers pursued him and witnessed him allegedly discarding an item as he ran. He was apprehended a short distance away following a brief struggle, with officers taking control safely.

“A subsequent search located a quantity of methamphetamine both on the man and in the discarded container. In total, approximately 8.5g of meth was recovered.”

The man is due to appear in Hamilton District Court charged with possession for supply and escaping from police custody.

Police said they will be opposing bail.