An attentive motorist has aided Police in locating an imitation firearm and drugs during a vehicle search which ended in Ellerslie.
At around 4.16pm yesterday, Police were notified after a person observed what they believed to be someone holding a firearm in the backseat of a vehicle in Counties Manukau.
Counties Manukau West Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Gaylene Rice says Police quickly located the vehicle travelling through ?t¨¡huhu and called on the Police Eagle helicopter to provide assistance.
¡°Eagle were then able to gain observations as the vehicle got onto the Southern Motorway, heading northbound.
¡°They directed ground units, who were able to stop the vehicle shortly after it exited the motorway at Main Highway, Ellerslie where staff carried out an armed vehicle stop.¡±
Inspector Rice says officers located an imitation pistol, methamphetamine, cannabis, drug utensils and cash.
¡°As a result this male has been charged with unlawful possession of an imitation firearm.
¡°Anyone seen carrying any sort of firearm; either real or not, in a public place or where groups of other people are present, could place themselves at risk.
¡°We want to reassure the community that we take matters such as these very seriously and will continue to hold these offenders to account.¡±
A 27-year-old man will appear in Manukau District Court today.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/51½ÖÉä