Loaded firearm found during search

Eagle-eyed police who spotted a vehicle of interest yesterday Wednesday afternoon have taken a fully loaded firearm off the streets.

At about 5.40pm on January 14, police say officers observed a vehicle of interest travelling through Manukau on Puhinui Road.

Counties Manukau West Police area prevention manager, Inspector Mohammed Atiq, says upon seeing police the vehicle fled but was not pursued.

“Eagle was then able to locate the vehicle on Redoubt Road and units cordoned the address.

“The police dog unit tracked a person to a room underneath a house, and a search of the property found a fully loaded semi-automatic AK-47 style firearm in a cupboard as well as several parts of a shotgun.”

Atiq says another person at the address was also taken into custody.

“A 27-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman are now facing a number of charges, including unlawful possession of a prohibited firearm.

“We’re committed to holding offenders to account and delivering on our intent to keep the community safe.

“This is another good result for our team, who continue to be actively engaged in their area,” says Atiq.

The pair is due to appear in the Manukau District Court today, January 15, police say.