Two sawn-off shotguns and $50,000 in cash were among the items allegedly found in a Gisborne man’s car after his arrest on Friday.
Police had been looking for the man, who had an outstanding warrant, for three months.
Tairāwhiti Area Commander Inspector Danny Kirk said a tactical dog team had spotted a vehicle linked to the alleged offender, followed it from a distance, and the blocked it in when it went up a driveway.
The man was arrested without incident, along with a female who was also in the vehicle.
When police searched the vehicle they found two sawn-off 12-gauge shotguns, cannabis, and $50,000 in cash.
At least 40 live shotgun rounds and 13 .303 full metal jack rounds were also discovered.
Kirk commended the actions of the dog team.
“I have absolutely no doubt that our staff have prevented serious harm from being committed in our community,” he said
“Had the man not been apprehended and the firearms and ammunition not been taken from him, someone could have been seriously hurt or worse.”
The 30-year-old man was due to appear in Gisborne District Court on October 20 facing a range of firearms, drugs and driving charges.
A 20-year-old female was due to appear on October 23 charged with unlawfully possessing firearms, ammunition and cannabis.
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