Please attribute to Detective Sergeant Brent Griffiths, Tairawhiti Area CIB:

Police seized a firearm and a quantity of methamphetamine in Wairoa yesterday, 18 February.

Around 11.30pm a vehicle of interest was located at the intersection of Paul Street and Lucknow Street.

Police stopped the vehicle and the driver was found to be in possession of a loaded .22 pistol and methamphetamine.

The 25-year-old man has been charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm and possession of methamphetamine, and was due to appear in the Gisborne District Court today.

Police are also appealing for information into separate incidents in Wairoa yesterday.

Earlier in the evening Police received a report of a firearm being presented at a residential property on Black Street, followed by reports a short time later of a firearm being pointed at a vehicle.

Police are also making enquiries into reports of a fight on Brian Avenue, where a vehicle is alleged to have been used in an attempt to run those involved over.

Police are committed to removing illegal firearms off the streets, and holding those in possession accountable.

I actively encourage the public to contact Police if they have information on offenders who are illegally in possession of firearms, or involved in the sale and supply of drugs.

I would like to reassure members of the public that these are believed to be isolated incidents involving people known to each other.

Anyone with information relating to these incidents is encouraged to contact Police on 105 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

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