Waikato Police say there are too many incidents where illegal firearms are being found with illicit drugs and it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed as a result.
Detective Sergeant Martyn Hughes of the Thames CIB says the call comes after the third incident in one day where drugs and firearms were linked to incidents at Coromandel properties.
"In the latest incident members of the Waikato Armed Offenders Squad (AOS) assisted our Public Safety Teams cordon off parts of Pauanui after a builder working on a roof had a firearm pointed at him about 6.10pm yesterday.
"The workman had heard a man arguing with a woman at a Pitkethley Circle address and when he looked down he saw a man pointing a rifle at him. Understandably the workman got off the roof as quickly as he could and reported hearing what he thought was two shots being fired."
Mr Hughes said the builder and his work colleagues escaped the property they were working on by accessing a gate to a neighbouring home and raised the alarm by ringing 111.
"Local Coromandel officers, assisted by road policing colleagues, cordoned off the area and awaited the arrival of the Waikato AOS.
"With the arrival of the AOS the property was cleared. The woman at the address was located safe and well while a 22-year-old male offender was taken into custody. A search of the address recovered ammunition and cannabis but the firearm was not located."
Mr Hughes said Police would return to the area this morning to continue the search for the weapon.
The man is currently facing charges for possession and cultivation of cannabis and unlawful possession of ammunition.
"Last night's incident followed the unrelated search of two properties near Whitianga yesterday morning in which two men were arrested and firearms, methamphetamine, ecstasy, morphine sulphate and cannabis were recovered.
"Yesterdays events show just how common the link is between illicit drugs and illegal firearms and just how serious the risks to the community are. That is why we ask that if anyone has information on drug activity that they make contact with Police- your call will be treated with confidence."
The independent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 offers another option for people to report criminal or suspicious activity anonymously.
Mr Hughes said the other concern for emergency services was that with Christmas rapidly approaching the stress involved often leads to domestic violence.
"And when you add a firearm and drugs into the mix such as in the situation we had last night you have the recipe for tragedy, anyone who feels they are under pressure in their relationships is urged to seek help either from Police or the multitude of agencies dedicated with dealing with domestic violence.
"Domestic violence is not OK and domestic violence linked to drugs and firearms poses a risk not just to those directly involved but the community as a whole so if you know something- do something, seek help."
End