A Wairarapa man has been arrested after police seized methamphetamine, firearms, cash, and stolen goods from a property in Featherston.
Police carried out a search warrant at the house on Wednesday following a drug investigation in the community.
Detective Nicholas Bunny said a man was taken into custody at the scene and is facing drugs charges.
Around 30 grams of methamphetamine was found, along with about two ounces of cannabis.
Police estimated the total drug harm prevented by this seizure was in excess of $33,000.
“It came about from a pre-planned search warrant based on drug information, and it’s a really positive outcome for the community in Featherston and the Wairarapa as a whole.
“The amount of drugs seized shows that there are lots of drugs out there.”
More than $2000 in cash was found at the address, along with a shower, oven, hob top, dishwasher, and toilet that were allegedly stolen from a building site in Featherston during the weeks prior.
“We had no idea that the stolen property was going to be there, but it just shows that drugs, firearms, and stolen property are often together in one place.”
Bunny said around 500 vapes were also seized that were believed to be related to a separate burglary that occurred in south Wairarapa earlier this year.
Also seized were several high-value power tool sets that are believed to have been stolen from various building sites within the greater Wellington region.
“A concerning factor for police was the discovery of a cut down .22 rifle and ammunition at the property.“
The occupant did not have a firearms licence.
“This is a great result for the Featherston community and police.
“We work hard to disrupt the distribution of drugs in our communities, put offenders before the court, and seize any assets or profits accumulated as a result,” Bunny said.
“We take it seriously, and we want to be proactive and make sure people feel safe, so that’s why we’re out there doing what we do.”
A 35-year-old man was charged with possession of a Class A controlled drug for supply.
He was due to appear in the Masterton District Court on Thursday.
Enquiries are ongoing and further charges are likely, Bunny said.
