Just a week after Hamilton Police dealt with two abandoned children three more have been referred to welfare agencies after they were discovered in a house alongside loaded guns and drugs.
Sergeant Dale Smith said while these children weren't home alone they may have been better off if they had been after armed Police converged on the Melville address.
"Armed staff went to the address to execute a search warrant looking for drugs, two patched gang members were present at the address two and 'spotting' gear was found warming up on the stove in the kitchen on our arrival.
"In the garage an indoor cannabis growing operation was discovered with several plants that were described as being of very high quality."
Mr Smith said two sawn-off shotguns and ammunition were also found hidden in the garage but there was something more menacing in the house.
"We found a hidden, cut down, loaded .22cal rifle that had a round up the spout. This is yet another reminder of the links between organised criminal groups, the illicit drugs trade and the illegal trade in firearms."
One man was arrested at the scene and will remain in custody until Monday when he will face a variety of drug supply, cultivation and firearms charges.
"The sad thing about all this is the effect it has on the children. There were three kids aged under eight at the property including one infant and the conditions they were in was of concern to Police.
"Goodness knows what message is being taken in with patched gang members, loaded firearms and drugs in their home. In the interests of the children's welfare they have now been referred to Child Youth and Family for follow up action
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