A “significant amount” of cannabis plant and resin, two firearms, one of them a prohibited military-style semi automatic rifle, and ammunition were among items seized by police during the search of a Kapiti Coast property last week.
Police said they went to the address of a Mongrel Mob prospect in Waikanae Beach on November 15 to assist with an unrelated matter.
Constable Sam Lewis of the Wellington Gang Disruption Unit said police located cannabis at the address which led to a subsequent execution of a search warrant and the discovery of a “significant amount” of cannabis plant and resin.
“While inside the address, police also located and seized a military style semi-automatic (MSSR) .22 rifle which is a prohibited firearm and a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun.”
Two prohibited .22 magazines with a 16-round capacity were found, alongside more than 400 rounds of .22 ammunition, 25 rounds of slug and buckshot shotgun ammunition, and two rifle silencers.
Lewis said police worked hard to hold offenders to account, “especially those with the potential to cause serious harm in our communities, such as people unlawfully in the possession of firearms”.
“We will continue to keep the pressure on gang members, associates, and those attempting to evade the justice system.”
A 35-year-old man, who did not hold a current firearms licence, was arrested at the scene.
He was charged with multiple offences and held in custody, and was next due to appear in court on November 20.