High-tech bomb in garage

A high-tech homemade bomb was found in the home of a man wanted on other charges. Photo / Thinkstock

A high-tech homemade bomb was found after police raided the property of a man who failed to appear in court.

The bomb disposal unit was called to disable the "improvised explosive device", found in the man's garage at Pokeno, in rural South Auckland, by police executing a search warrant.

Officers went to the Great South Rd property after the 35-year-old failed to appear in court.

"He wasn't home at the time, but we invoked other search powers after observing drug utensils at the house," said Sergeant Noel Foster.

Police found a loaded sawn-off shotgun hidden in a cupboard and ammunition for a 22. calibre rife, 8mm pistol and shotgun rounds. When they searched the garage they found a stolen motorbike and the explosive device.

"The bomb was relatively sophisticated and consisted of several components that had the potential to cause considerable damage should it be connected to a power source," a police spokesman said.

The bomb was made with fuel cells which contained flammable gas. They were tied together and put into a metal tube, attached to an electronic ignition system.

Police were reluctant to divulge more information on the makings of the bomb, in a bid to avoid copycats. But it is understood that if it had detonated successfully, it could have created a significant explosion.

Mr Foster said the Defence Force was replicating the device to see whether it would work and what damage it could do.

The alleged bomb-maker was arrested hours later, after he returned to the Pokeno property in a stolen Nissan Terrano 4WD.

The man was arrested after police found him hiding in the toilet.

He is facing a number of charges relating to the bomb, the stolen vehicles and the firearms.

He is also facing charges relating to a number of cannabis plants and possessing utensils used for smoking methamphetamine.

He has appeared in the Pukekohe District Court and was remanded on bail with conditions including a strict curfew. He will reappear in court on October 5.