Loaded pistol, drugs found in routine traffic stop

A loaded 9mm Luger pistol, drugs and other weapons have been found in a car after a routine traffic stop by Hamilton police.

The car's 38-year-old owner was in the passenger seat, with someone else driving, when stopped about 8.45pm yesterday, police said.

The driver told police he was driving as part of a mechanical check for its owner, Constable Anthony McFarlane said.

When the owner admitted smoking cannabis the car was searched and $3000 worth of methamphetamine and cannabis, a knife and two sets of scales were found in a bag under a seat.

The search also uncovered Contac-NT, used in the manufacture of methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of $12,000.

Police found the Luger pistol with a round in the chamber and the magazine loaded in the boot. The man had another 9mm round in his pocket.

The owner initially gave police false details but his real identity was later established and it was found there was a warrant out for his arrest.

The man was charged with drugs and firearms charges and was due to appear in the Hamilton District Court today.

- NZPA