The continuing threat posed to the community by those involved in the illicit drugs trade arming themselves with illegally obtained firearms was again highlighted when Waikato investigators searched two Coromandel properties today.
Eastern Waikato Area Investigations Manager, Detective Senior Sergeant Graham Pitkethley, said two properties near Whitianga were searched by Police with the assistance of the Waikato Armed Offenders Squad (AOS) early this morning.
"The first address searched was a Kaimarama property where a 51-year-old man was arrested following the discovery of a loaded, unlicensed Winchester rifle, ammunition, methamphetamine, ecstasy and morphine sulphate.
"As a result of these discoveries this man appeared in the Hamilton District Court today on three charges of possession of the three drugs, possession of drug utensils and two firearms charges."
Mr Pitkethley said if the decision to utilise the skills of the accompanying AOS officers wasn't confirmed as the right one at the first address, it certainly was when Police searched the second property.
"Located at this address was a loaded, unlicensed SKS semi-automatic assault rifle and ammunition as well as a quantity of cannabis and other drug paraphernalia.
"A 31-year-old man at the address who was arrested on existing driving, receiving and theft of a motor-vehicle offences is likely to face further charges as a result of this morning's discoveries."
With one of the offenders linked to an organised criminal group, Mr Pitkethley said today's discoveries showed drug, gang and illegal guns are not restricted to the cities but pose a threat to the rural community as well.
"That's why it's so important to report suspicious behaviour. You might know somewhere where the occupants keep the curtains pulled all day and smells of chemicals.
"Or you might notice out of place vehicles or people frequenting isolated properties. The key thing is to follow your instincts, if it doesn't seem right it probably isn't and you should contact Police."
Mr Pitkethley said sometimes people found themselves in situations where they can't speak to Police directly but were still concerned and in these situations the independent Crimestoppers (0800 555111) offered people an anonymous way to report crime.
"The threat posed by the volatile mixture of drugs and guns shows you can't turn a blind eye to drugs, or dismiss it as; "just personal use."
"If who know about illicit drug activity but don't report it you should ask yourself if you are happy to have these people driving under the influence of such drugs. And are you happy with these same people having access to firearms? If you know something do something- phone Police."
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