Suitcase of imitation guns found after 55km Auckland motorway dash

A car that failed to stop for police went on a 55km motorway dash across Auckland with a cache of imitation firearms, discovered in a suitcase after the vehicle was spiked.

About 10.10pm on Thursday, police tried to pull over a vehicle travelling “at speed” on State Highway 1 through Pūhoi.

But the car took off, fleeing for 55km south on Auckland’s motorway network, tracked by a police Eagle helicopter, before being spiked near Mt Wellington.

Waitematā north area manager Senior Sergeant Brett Henshaw said that after the fleeing driver was taken into custody, police searched the vehicle, finding a suitcase.

“Inside the suitcase were three high-powered BB guns and a 22-calibre revolver,” Henshaw said.

“Drug paraphernalia and a large knife were also found inside the car.

“Taking items like these off our streets makes everyone safer, and we’re pleased to be able to hold this person to account.”

A 27-year-old man has been charged with failing to stop, speeding, unlawful possession of a pistol, unlawfully carrying an imitation firearm, possession of an offensive weapon, possession of utensils and driving while disqualified.

He was due to appear in the North Shore District Court today.