9 Feb 2023

Police discover firearms, ammunition during vehicle stop in Manawatū

8:40 pm on 9 February 2023
Auckland, New Zealand - October 10, 2019 : Close up of a New Zealand police officer's uniform and badge

File pic Photo: 123rf

A sawn off shotgun and rifle were recovered during the arrests of two men in Feilding today.

Police stopped a vehicle on Aorangi Road about 11am.

Sergeant Nick Lawton said while making enquiries into the vehicle police recovered two firearms - a sawn off shotgun and a sawn off rifle - as well as some ammunition.

A 31-year-old man and a 36-year-old man were arrested.

Both men have been remanded in custody to appear on charges of unlawful possession of firearms.

"This was a fantastic effort by all involved and we have been able to remove another couple of weapons off the street and put the offenders before the courts," Sergeant Lawton said.

He said anyone who had concerns about criminal activity in their community could get in touch with police.

Information could be passed on via 105 by phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz, using 'Update Report'.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.