A HARD-CORE criminal was nabbed in New Plymouth on Wednesday with the help of Wanganui police.
Armed offenders squad members from Wanganui played a major role in arresting Christopher Smith, who police said was a strong suspect in the killing of Auckland man Bhagubhai Vaghela, gunned down in his dairy in
central Auckland last Sunday.
However, last night Detective Inspector Bernie Hollewand, of Auckland, said their interest in Smith had waned.
"It was unlikely he was involved in Mr Vaghela's death," Mr Hollewand said. "We've said from the outset that we've got a lot of work to do and that we'd like to speak to a handful of people who have recently been involved in armed hold-ups. Mr Smith was one of them."
The arrest of Mr Smith helped the investigation but "never signalled a breakthrough," he said.
Police had previously described Smith as a "career criminal".
Wanganui Area Commander Inspector Sam Hoyle said the Wanganui officers were called to help New Plymouth police in the early hours of Thursday.
"Three addresses were searched. Information received led the Wanganui team to another address where Mr Smith was found hiding. He was arrested and handed over to members of the Auckland CIB," Mr Hoyle said.
After a tip-off, police reportedly lay in wait for hours before Smith was arrested without incident.
Mr Hoyle said his team was to be congratulated for their part in hunt. "This was a great result."
