Guns, drugs found in car engine bay during South Auckland police raid

Guns, drugs and cash were found in the engine bay of a car after an unexpected police visit left two men allegedly scrambling to stash a swag of illicit items, police say.

Further searches of the South Auckland property by police yesterday also revealed more weapons and ammunition in a bedroom and campervan, Inspector Matt Hoyes said.

Police – including members of the Armed Offenders Squad – arrived at the property in Patumāhoe with a search warrant after being told someone was acting in a threatening manner, Hoyes said.

When officers arrived they spotted a man in a garage trying to hide items, the Counties Manukau South Area Prevention Manager said.

“This person was quickly taken into custody without incident. A second man was then seen also scrambling to hide a number of items.

“He failed to follow police instructions and was also arrested after attempting to assault an officer.”

Police searched the property and found a pistol inside a bag which had been hidden in the engine bay of a vehicle when officers arrived, Hoyes said.

“Also in this bag was a substantial amount of cannabis, LSD and methamphetamine.”

Police found a swag of guns, drugs and cash - including some hidden in the engine bay of a car - when officers went to a Patumahoe, South Auckland, property yesterday with a search warrant yesterday. Two men were arrested. Photo/ NZ Police

During a further search of the property a sawn-off shotgun and revolver-type pistol were found in a bedroom, with ammunition.

“A rifle and 61 rounds of ammunition were also located in a campervan on the property.”

Three of the four firearms found by officers were loaded, Hoyes said.

Finding dangerous weapons and drugs, with evidence of dealing, was a great result, he said.

“I am really proud of the work our teams did investigating this offending – being able to hold these offenders to account shows our commitment to stamping out this type of criminal activity in our community.”

A 42-year-old man had been charged with five counts of unlawful possession of a firearm/ammunition, possession of methamphetamine for supply, possession of LSD for supply, possession of drug utensils, possession of cannabis for supply, assaulting police and resisting police.

A 27-year-old man was charged with unlawful possession of ammunition and threatening to kill.

Both were due to appear in Pukekohe District Court today, Hoyes said.

Cherie Howie is an Auckland-based reporter who joined the Herald in 2011. She has been a journalist for more than 20 years and specialises in general news and features.