A man is facing significant charges after Police in Tauranga sniffed out an arrest at a routine traffic stop.

Police stopped a car on Welcome Bay Road around 4:25am on Tuesday, and immediately noticed a strong smell of cannabis from the vehicle.

A search was then conducted of the vehicle, and of the two occupants.

Police located two firearms (one an imitation firearm), 10 rounds of ammunition, a bong, cannabis, and methamphetamine.

After further questioning, the passenger of the vehicle was released without charge. The 28-year-old male driver, however, is due in Tauranga District Court on 6 August on the following charges: 

• possession of cannabis

• possession of methamphetamine 

• unlawfully carrying a firearm 

• unlawfully carrying ammunition 

• possession of drug utensils

• being an unlicensed driver failing to comply with prohibition.

Inspector Clifford Paxton says this was excellent work by local staff, and shows what benefit can come from business-as-usual policing.

“What started out as a routine traffic stop, has resulted in the arrest of an individual allegedly in possession of two firearms, as well as drugs.

“Our role as Police is to prevent harm and hold offenders to account, and I’m proud of my staff who have done this on this occasion.”

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