New legislation and cops intuition leads to Hamilton drugs and firearms arrest

Hamilton's Police commander is crediting a combination of officers following their instincts backed up with new, more effective legislation for the arrest of a man and the recovery of an assault rifle and drugs during a routine traffic stop overnight.

Inspector Greg Nicholls said the car was the subject of a routine traffic stop after officers became concerned about the driving of a man travelling west on Norton Rd about 10.30pm.

"The car was pulled over on Rua St and the 35-year-old driver spoken to.

"A subsequent search under the recently introduced Search and Surveillance Act resulted in the recovery of two containers of what is believed to be methamphetamine, a bag of yet to be identified pills, some scales and some chemicals."

But it was what was found next that Police found to be the most concerning.

"Officers searching the car discovered one 5.56 calibre M4 type, scoped assault rifle, a high capacity magazine and a large box containing several packets of ammunition. In addition two electric soft air BB type rifles were also found that if pointed at someone would certainly appear authentic.

"There are a number of things these discoveries highlight to us and one of those is the continuing value of placing emphasis policing the roads. While not everyone who gets behind the wheel of a car is a criminal, by and large, every criminal drives."

Mr Nicholls said the other issue Police are becoming increasingly concerned about is the propensity for those involved in organised crime and drugs to arm themselves.

"We all know the risks drugs pose to our community but when you combine them with this type of weaponry it poses a serious risk not just to the criminals involved and our staff but to the wider community as well.

"New legislation such as the Search and Surveillance Act allows our officers to act decisively when they are aware of criminal activity. The key thing from the public's point of view is ensuring Police are aware of such activity and you can do your part by notifying Police either directly or through Crimestoppers (0800 555111)."

The man appeared in the Hamilton District Court today on five charges including unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of drug utensils and possession of drugs for supply.