Police Seize Extensive Firearms Cache in Gisborne
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Loading... - Lea Zimmermann
- 23 Jul 2024
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Two men have been arrested following a significant discovery of firearms and parts during a search warrant execution in Gisborne. The Tai Rāwhiti Police Investigations Team found a large number of firearms and associated components at a Titoki Street address on July 11.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Moorhouse revealed that police were searching a large trailer, similar to a horse float, parked on the front lawn when they uncovered the items. "There were several containers on the trailer which held the parts of a number of firearms. While most had been broken down, some were intact," Moorhouse stated.
Additionally, police found parts and ammunition inside the house, sheds, and a vehicle on the property. "Police have assessed that the large haul of parts had the potential to generate several operational firearms if the correct knowledge and skill was applied to their rebirthing," Moorhouse added.
Among the items found were firearm barrels of various makes and models, wooden stocks, trigger systems, springs, and other components. A large quantity of ammunition of various calibres was also seized. Police noted that none of the occupants held firearms licences and that attempts had been made to reload ammunition and create operational firearms. Some of the reloaded ammunition was of such poor quality that it posed a risk of injury to anyone attempting to use it.
"It's not every day you see this quantity of firearm parts. Even in this poor condition, these would be highly sought after by some in the criminal community," Moorhouse said. "We're delighted at the result and the community is safer because of it. There is now no chance of these weapons or ammunition getting into the wrong hands, and no chance of them causing harm to the people in our community."
Two Gisborne men, aged 21 and 38, with links to the Black Power gang, have been arrested and charged with unlawful possession of firearms, ammunition, and explosives. They have been remanded in custody and will reappear in the Gisborne District Court on July 29 and August 1, respectively.
