The quick actions of a Gisborne Tactical Dog Team have led to the arrest of a dangerous offender and prevented potential serious harm, as officers uncovered firearms, drugs and cash.

On Friday 3 October officers, who were out on patrol, spotted a vehicle of interest that was linked to an alleged offender that had an outstanding warrant to arrest.

Police have been looking for this man for three months; the officers came up with a plan and followed the vehicle at a distance and when it pulled into a driveway parked up behind it, blocking it in.

Police arrested the man without incident and his vehicle was impounded due to him being a disqualified driver.

A search of the vehicle then took place where officers located two sawn-off 12-gauge shotguns along with at least 40 live shotgun rounds and 13 .303 full metal jack rounds. Cannabis and approximately $50,000 cash was also found in the centre console.

Tairāwhiti Area Commander Inspector Danny Kirk says this was exceptional police work.

“I have absolutely no doubt that our staff have prevented serious harm from being committed in our community.

“Had the man not been apprehended and the firearms and ammunition not been taken from him, someone could have been seriously hurt or worse," he says.

A 30-year-old man is due to appear in Gisborne District Court on 20 October facing a range of firearms, drugs and driving charges.

Additionally a 20-year-old female, who was also in the vehicle, was arrested and is due to appear in Gisborne District Court on 23 October charged with unlawfully possessing firearms, ammunition and cannabis.

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