Automatic rifle recovered in morning searches

Automatic rifle recovered in morning searches

Auckland City Police's Organised Crime Unit executed search warrants at two addresses this morning in the hope of locating 32 year-old Daniel Vae, a patched gang member who is wanted on three arrest warrants.

The OCU was accompanied by the Armed Offenders Squad in Mt Roskill at 6.30am and in Grey Lynn at 8.15am.

A 5.56 semi automatic rifle, which would normally fire a .223 round but which has been modified to be a semi automatic pistol which fires .22 rounds, ammunition, a bullet proof vest and a non-police issue Taser were recovered from the Mt Roskill address.

Officers are still in the process of searching the Grey Lynn address which was tear-gassed during the operation but can confirm a firearm was found there.

Daniel Vae was not located at either of the properties and Police are appealing for anyone with information about his whereabouts to call the Organised Crime Unit on 09 302 6425 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Vae is considered dangerous and should not be approached by members of the public. He is known to have a P habit and is unpredictable. He is a Polynesian of solid build.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark McHattie said it was important that Mr Vae contacts Police or that his associates do so as soon as possible.

"Police are concerned about some of his recent behaviour which seems to be escalating in its level of violence."

Two adults and two children were located at the Mt Roskill address while five adults and some children were at the Grey Lynn address when Police came calling. The children were allowed off the premises to go to school at the usual time.

ENDS