Police hunting armed man with terminal cancer

Tifiga Atanoa

An armed man with a drug habit who has terminal cancer is being hunted by south Auckland Police.

Tifiga Atanoa is wanted in relation to numerous violent offences committed to feed his P habit, Detective Senior Sergeant Neil Grimstone of Papakura CIB said.

He said Atanoa, whose cancer has left him a large growth on the side of his neck, was not taking any medication and had "an extremely short life expectancy".

Mr Grimstone said Atanoa was considered extremely dangerous, unpredictable and volatile, and should not be approached.

"It is known by police that he is in possession of a number of firearms and that he is committing crime to feed a massive P habit," he said.

"He has made a number of statements to other criminals and other associates which are of a huge concern to the police."

Atanoa was described as a male Polynesian, 33 years of age, about 183cm tall and of solid build.

Police are appealing to the public, and particularly the criminal fraternity, to contact them on (09) 295 0220 if they have any information on his whereabouts.

- NZPA