‘Quick thinking’ by Gisborne police secures arrest, drugs and firearms seizure

Quick action by a police tactical dog team in Gisborne has led to the arrest of a man and the seizure of firearms, ammunition, drugs and $50,000 cash.

A police statement said a patrol spotted a vehicle of interest that was linked to an alleged offender with an outstanding warrant to arrest last Friday.

Police had been looking for the man for three months.

“The officers came up with a plan and followed the vehicle at a distance, before blocking it in once it pulled into a driveway.”

Police arrested the man without issue.

A search of the vehicle turned up two sawn-off 12-gauge shotguns, along with at least 40 live shotgun rounds and 13 .303 full metal jacket rounds.

Cannabis and about $50,000 in cash were also found in the centre console.

Tairāwhiti area commander Inspector Danny Kirk said it was exceptional police work.

A 30-year-old man is due to appear in Gisborne District Court on October 20, facing a range of firearms, drugs and driving charges.

Additionally, a 20-year-old woman, who was also in the vehicle, was arrested.

She is due to appear in Gisborne District Court on October 23, charged with unlawfully possessing firearms, ammunition and cannabis.