Please attribute to Acting Detective Inspector Kevan Verry, Northland Field Crime Manager:
Northland Police have arrested two people, and seized firearms, cannabis, and stolen property, following a search warrant in the Far North this week.
A warrant was executed on Wednesday morning at an address in Hikurangi.
As a result, Police found a .22 calibre rifle, 205 rounds of ammunition, a kilogram of cannabis, and stolen property from a string of burglaries around Northland.
One 30-year-old woman was arrested and charged with possession of cannabis for supply, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
She will appear in Whangārei District Court on Monday 27 June.
Police enquiries were also ongoing to locate a second person of interest.
He was sighted by officers today around 10.50am, travelling in what is believed to be a stolen vehicle on Western Hills Drive, Whangarei.
When signalled to stop, the driver failed to do so, and Police pursued the vehicle.
As the driver was deemed to pose a risk to public safety, the Northland Armed Offenders Squad also assisted in the pursuit.
Police eventually forced the vehicle to a stop in a service alley behind a group of shops in Kamo, and the driver was subsequently arrested.
A second passenger was also detained, but released shortly after as he was not involved any of the offending being investigated.
The driver had two outstanding warrants to arrest.
Additionally, he has been charged with failing to stop, driving whilst disqualified, and dangerous driving.
He will be appearing in Whangārei District Court at a later stage.
Enquiries are still being made into a number of burglaries and thefts around the area, and further charges are likely.
Anyone with information is encouraged to report it online at 105.police.govt.nz, call Police on 105, or report it anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Northland Police would like to assure the public that the incident today was resolved quickly, and without harm to the community.
We are committed to addressing any offending relating to the unlawful possession of firearms and the dealing of illicit drugs.
ENDS.
Sinelle Fernandez/NZ Police