Gisborne Police made a significant arrest of a wanted man. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
Gisborne Police have uncovered a haul of guns, drugs and cash during an arrest by the tactical dog team of a wanted person.
Tairāwhiti Area Commander Inspector Danny Kirk said police officers patrolling on 3 October spotted a vehicle of interest linked to an alleged offender who had an outstanding warrant for arrest.
"Police have been looking for this man for three months; the officers came up with a plan and followed the vehicle at a distance and when it pulled into a driveway parked up behind it, blocking it in."
Police said they searched the car and allegedly found two sawn-off 12-gauge shotguns along with at least 40 live shotgun rounds and 13 .303 full metal jack rounds in the car.
Cannabis and about $50,000 cash was allegedly found in the centre console.
Kirk said police arrested the man without incident and his vehicle was impounded for being a disqualified driver.
"This was exceptional police work," Kirk said. "I have absolutely no doubt that our staff have prevented serious harm from being committed in our community."
A 30-year-old man is due to appear in Gisborne District Court in October facing a range of firearms, drugs and driving charges.
A 20-year-old woman, who was also in the vehicle, was arrested and is due to appear in the same court on later in October charged with unlawfully possessing firearms, ammunition and cannabis.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
