Former police car turned into drug lab?

Methamphetamine, cannabis and other materials were among items found on the offender. File photo

A former police patrol car sold off a fortnight ago returned to its old home at Hamilton police station - as an exhibit in an inquiry.

Police say this left them asking: "What are the chances of that?"

The Holden commodore sedan at the centre of the inquiry was being forensically examined, Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Dean Anderson of the Hamilton CIB said.

"Due to the manner of his driving, officers had attempted to stop the driver of the car on Rotokauri Rd about 12.35am, but the man fled off at speed.

"Following a pursuit towards Te Kowhai, road spikes were deployed at Horotiu and the commodore came to a stop on Church Rd in Te Rapa.

"The 44-year-old sole occupant of the car attempted to flee and resisted arrest but was apprehended with the aid of an attending police dog and handler."

Methamphetamine, cannabis and other materials were among items found on the offender, while police say "his car has raised even more questions".

"It certainly looked familiar, and as it turns out the car was one of a number of ex-police vehicles disposed of two weeks ago," Mr Anderson said.

"But of more pressing interest to us is a number of items located in the car which are currently being forensically examined to determine if they may be consistent with a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory."

Mr Anderson said the 44-year-old man would appear in the Hamilton District Court today for driving, drug and resisting arrest offences and police hadn't ruled out further charges.