A restricted firearm, drugs, and cash have been seized, and one person has been arrested, as Police continue to enforce a zero tolerance for unlawful behaviour in Northland as part of Operation Cobalt.

Shortly before 4pm on Thursday 11 August, Northland Police observed a vehicle travelling at a high speed on State Highway 12, west of Kaikohe.

Police subsequently executed a search of the vehicle, which located a loaded .22 Semi-Automatic rifle with a prohibited “banana style” magazine, 28 grams of methamphetamine, 68 grams of cannabis, and $17,000 in cash.

A 58-year-old Northland man is due to appear in the Kaikohe District Court today on charges relating to the unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of methamphetamine for supply, and possession of cannabis for supply.

As the matter is now before the Court, Police are unable to comment further.

We are committed to making our communities safer from the influence and harm caused by gangs through their criminal activities and anti-social behaviour of our roads and the Operation Cobalt team are focused those behaviours.

This arrest is an example of how those prepared to cause harm to our communities through drug dealing and unsafe driving.

Those who continue to participate in this brazen and dangerous behaviour will be apprehended by Police and held to account.

We welcome information from anyone who has concerns about organised crime, gang activity, or the illegal possession of firearms in their community. We rely on the eyes and ears of our community and Whanau members who can help reduce the harm in our communities.

They are encouraged to report online at 105.police.govt.nz, call Police on 105, or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org(link is external).

If it is happening now, please call 111.

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