A man will appear in court today after the equipment, materials and precursors used in the manufacture of methamphetamine were discovered in the boot of a car near Waiouru.
The incident began around 3.20pm when a highway patrol officer spotted a vehicle with moderate crash damage to its front travelling on State Highway 1, about 3km north of Waiouru.
The officer signalled for the driver to pull over so the vehicle could be checked over but the Mitsubishi driver fled at excessive speed. The pursuit went through Waiouru township before it was abandoned for public safety reasons.
Three patrol cars began a search of the area and a member of the public indicated to Police that the offending vehicle had travelled up Waiaruhe Road, approximately 10km south of Waiouru.
The suspect was spotted on nearby Maukuku Road and after a short foot chase he was apprehended.
A search of the vehicle revealed all the elements for a Clan lab in the boot and ESR attended to deal with the discovery.
A 42-year-old man from Rotorua will appear at Whanganui District Court this morning charged with two counts of possessing equipment, material with intent, dangerous driving and failing to stop. Once further analysis has been carried out on the car and contents more charges may follow.
If you have information about drug manufacture or supply ring your local Police Station. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.