$26K in unpaid fines leads police to guns, drugs and $30K cash

Two men are before the courts after Auckland City Police conducted a traffic stop, resulting in a trove of illegal items being located.

Acting Shift Inspector Ian Scoulding says about 5.50pm on Friday, a Police unit saw a vehicle of interest travelling on Kingston Street and signalled the vehicle to stop.

“While speaking with the driver, officers found the 53-year-old had outstanding District Court-imposed fines of $26,000.

“He was taken into custody without incident.”

During the arrest, a Police officer saw drug paraphernalia in the vehicle and conducted a warrantless search.

“The officer unravelled more than initially thought, after locating $30,000 cash, a one-kilogram silver bar, a taser, a knife, a firearm, and ammunition.

“Three ounces of methamphetamine, one ounce of cocaine, and one ounce of cannabis were also located.”

During the incident a 37-year-old man, known to the alleged offender, allegedly attempted to open a Police vehicle door to speak with the man while in custody.

He was arrested at the scene and has been charged with two counts of resisting Police, interference with a motor vehicle, and communicating with a prisoner. The 37-year-old is due to appear in Auckland District Court on 10 September.

“These arrests, and the recovery of these illegal items, are a direct result of proactive policing and demonstrate our commitment to disrupting criminal activity to keep our community safe,” says Acting Inspector Scoulding.

The 53-year-old was due to appear in Auckland District Court today, facing multiple charges including two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession of an offensive weapon, and possession of methamphetamine, cocaine, cannabis plant, and ecstasy for supply.