14 Aug 2024

Gun and drugs found after wrong car spiked by police

9:40 am on 14 August 2024
Police in Wellington. Generic image

Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

Police found a gun and drugs after a driver inadvertently ran over spikes they were laying down for a different car.

Officers were tracking a stolen vehicle in south Auckland at 3am on Wednesday when the speeding car headed towards Papakura.

The police helicopter followed and officers on the ground pursued the driver into a house.

They found a modified pistol, ammunition and methamphetamine in the car.

A 33-year-old man patched King Cobra gang member is now facing firearms and drugs charges as well as charges for escaping police custody.

Inspector Joe Hunter said it was "always pleasing" to get firearms off the streets.

"These enable unlawful activity and puts everyone at risk and in this case, we have put the man before the court on a range of charges.

"I would like to acknowledge the range of police resource that responded as this incident unfolded."