The smell of cannabis during a routine traffic stop has led police to the discovery of firearms, ammunition and drugs in Taranaki early this morning.
Senior Sergeant Malcolm Collins said police stopped a vehicle near the intersection of Cordelia St and Fenton St in Stratford at around 1.40am on Monday.
During the stop, officers noticed drug paraphernalia and could smell cannabis coming from the vehicle.
The driver and passenger were detained while the vehicle was searched by police.
"As a result of the search a .22 3D printed firearm, a shotgun, ammunition, numerous other offensive weapons, an amount of methamphetamine, and an amount of cannabis, were located and seized," Collins said.
One of the firearms was reportedly found tucked in the driver's footwell.
Collins said there was "no good reason" for a firearm to be so easily accessible to a driver.
"This was a great catch, and I want to commend staff for their vigilance and excellent work to get these firearms out of the community," he added.
A 37-year-old man was arrested and was due to appear in New Plymouth District Court today.
He was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of cannabis, two counts of unlawfully possessing ammunition, and five counts of possessing an offensive weapon.
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