Cops seize big guns in drugs bust

Police seized five weapons - including military-style semi-automatic rifles - and more than 50 cannabis plants from an indoor growing operation after a firearms incident in Kaeo.

The raid late last month started with a relatively minor dispute between two acquaintances. Police were called when one of the men pointed a gun at the other.

When armed police arrived at the address they discovered four more guns, including the semi-automatics, and 51 plants in an indoor growing room.

Five armed police responded initially but called for backup when the drugs and extra guns were found.

Inspector Al Symonds, of Kerikeri police, said a 57-year-old Kaeo man was arrested and later appeared in the Kaikohe District Court on a number of drugs and firearms charges. He is due back in court later this month.

Mr Symonds said the operation ran smoothly and the man was arrested without incident. He said if police had known what was hidden at the house they likely would have called in the Whangarei-based Armed Offenders Squad.

The man had a firearms licence but not for the type of weapons found.