Northland police find weapons, drugs during search of Russell property, man arrested

Police found weapons and drugs when they carried out a search warrant at a Russell property on October 10. Photo / Dean Purcell

A man has been arrested and charged after a cache of drugs and weapons was found during a search warrant at a property in the Northland town of Russell.

Police carried out the search warrant at the property on October 10 after the man who was wanted by police handed himself in at Russell Police Station.

During the search, officers found a .22 calibre sawn-off rifle loaded with three .22 calibre ammunition rounds, and two cannabis grow tents with a small amount of cannabis inside.

There was other illicit drug paraphernalia and equipment used for cultivating and selling cannabis.

Russell Police Senior Constable Michael Gorrie said the arrest would help keep the small community safe.

“This was a great catch and I’m glad the [alleged] offender can now be held to account,” he said.

“The planning and execution of this warrant ensured the team’s success.”

Gorrie thanked the officers involved in the raid and arrest.

“The police mission is to make our communities as safe as possible and this result really speaks to that mission.”

The arrested man is due to appear in Kaikohe District Court on October 28.

He has been charged with unlawfully possessing a pistol/restricted weapon, possessing cannabis for supply, assault on a person in family relationship and threatening to kill.

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