Cocaine, sawn-off shotgun and ammo seized in Queenstown police stop

A sawn-off shotgun and ammunition were among the items discovered by police during a vehicle search in Queenstown on Friday. Photo / NZ Police

A 30-year-old man in Queenstown is facing charges after police allegedly found a modified firearm, shotgun shells and ammunition in his vehicle.

He has been charged with unlawful possession of cocaine, unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm in a public place.

Police said they stopped the vehicle on Suburb St at 4.30am on Friday.

The man is due to appear in Queenstown District Court on October 20.

During the search a sawn-off shotgun, eight cartridges, rifle ammunition and a “substantial amount of cocaine” was found.

A large quantity of small plastic bags and a set of electronic scales were also seized.

“Illegal firearms have no place in our community,” Otago Lakes Central area commander Inspector Paula Enoka said.

“Taking weapons and drugs off Queenstown streets makes everyone in our town safer.”

Enoka said the message was clear: drug dealing and the harm that comes with it “isn’t welcome here”.

“Police will continue to focus on disrupting the supply of drugs and hold to account those who are financially gaining through this harm,” Enoka said.

If you have concerns about illegal drug use in your community, please call 111 if there is an immediate risk to safety or to make a report, please call 105.