Coasties, a routine traffic stop in central Auckland led to a significant haul of illegal items early this morning.

Police recovered a firearm, methamphetamine, ammunition, and more than $3,000 in cash after pulling over a silver sedan on Vincent Street around 12:30 am.

Detectives from Auckland City’s Crime Squad were conducting a routine check when they spotted a cannabis bong in the vehicle.

This discovery prompted a more thorough search, which revealed not only cannabis but also an empty shell casing.

Upon further inspection, officers found a sawn-down rifle with a magazine and a quantity of methamphetamine.

Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend noted, “Crime Squad carried out a further search of the vehicle for drugs and located cannabis and an empty shell casing. Following a further search of the vehicle, a sawn-down rifle with a magazine was located along with methamphetamine.”

In addition to the drugs and firearm, officers also found additional rounds of ammunition and drug paraphernalia.

All three occupants of the vehicle—a 23-year-old man, a 24-year-old woman, and a 25-year-old man—were arrested at the scene.

The 23-year-old driver and 24-year-old passenger face multiple charges, including possession for supply of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a pistol, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

They are appearing in the Auckland District Court today.

The third occupant, a 25-year-old man, had an outstanding warrant for his arrest for failing to appear in court and was also taken into custody.

“This is another good example of our staff remaining vigilant in the community,” Detective Senior Sergeant Friend stated.

“Every day Police continue to work to remove harmful drugs and firearms from circulation within our communities.”