By KELLY BLANCHARD in Rotorua
A Rotorua man considered armed and dangerous has been found near Tauranga with a suspected mobile drug laboratory in the boot of his car.
Charles Hollingsworth, 41, was arrested at gunpoint last night on an outstanding warrant for unlawfully possessing a semi-automatic pistol.
Senior Sergeant Dennis Murphy of the Rotorua police said a search of Hollingsworth's car revealed what was suspected to be a mobile methamphetamine lab in the boot of his car.
The items found included glassware, chemicals and equipment allegedly used to manufacture methamphetamine. A semi-automatic pistol was found in the car under the driver's seat.
Police said Hollingsworth would also be interviewed about the discovery of a suspected methamphetamine lab at a Victory Rd home in Rotorua on Monday night.
Hollingsworth was spotted driving a grey saloon car on the Rotorua side of Te Puke about 8pm last night by Rotorua detectives.
The Rotorua officers followed Hollingsworth's car west towards Tauranga and called for backup from Te Puke and Tauranga police.
Police signalled for Hollingsworth to pull over once he was on Welcome Bay Rd, near Tauranga.
Mr Murphy said Hollingsworth pulled over immediately.
He was removed from the car by the Rotorua officers at gunpoint.
He has been charged with unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol and was to appear in the Rotorua District Court today.
