Five prohibited firearms are out of circulation after Police seized them while executing a search warrant at the home of a firearms licence holder in Napier.
Detective Senior Sergeant James Keene says the arrest of the 42-year-old man and seizure of the firearms followed close co-operation between Eastern Districts Police and the Firearms Safety Authority, after concerns about the man’s fitness to hold a firearms licence.
“One of the most disturbing aspects of the arrest involved the discovery of five prohibited firearms, military-style semi-automatics, in children’s bedrooms,” said DSS Keene.
“The firearms were not locked away as required and ammunition was also accessible. Officers were concerned that vulnerable children could have access to the firearms. The man also did not have the necessary endorsement on his firearms license to possess prohibited firearms,” said DSS Keene.
The Firearms Safety Authority - Te Tari Pūreke had earlier suspended the man’s firearms licence after he was involved in a driving incident.
“This case is an excellent example of frontline Police and the Firearms Safety Authority working together to share real-time intelligence that enables risk assessments and interventions to keep the public safe,” said Authority Executive Director Angela Brazier.
“It is a privilege to possess and use firearms. All licence holders must act in the interests of personal and public safety. We know from daily engagement with licence holders that most are fit and proper to use a firearm, understand their obligations and have no trouble meeting them,” said Angela Brazier.
The man faces a total of 14 firearms and driving charges include drink driving, dangerous driving and failing to stop to ascertain injury; as well as unlawful possession of prohibited firearms, prohibited parts, prohibited ammunition and prohibited magazines, unlawful possession of a pistol, and using a document to obtain property. He is currently remanded in custody.
Anyone with concerns about a potential firearms offence can phone Police on 105, or 111 if life is in immediate danger. Anonymous calls can be made to Crime Stoppers 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
