Thirty-one firearms have been seized, and six firearms licence holders have had their licences suspended, after a Police investigation following illegal hunting in North Canterbury.
Police from the National Organised Crime Group (NOCG) supported by the Firearms Safety Authority - Te Tari Pūreke uncovered a network of firearms licence holders who allegedly gave firearms to unlicensed hunters and then attempted to cover their tracks through further offences against the Firearms Registry.
NOCG Detective Inspector Albie Alexander says the operation began after concerns about illegal hunting and public safety when shots were fired near a house in rural Cheviot in April, waking the occupants.
"Two men, who did not hold firearms licenses, pleaded guilty to charges including unlawful possession of firearms and discharging a firearm near a dwelling after the April incident," says Detective Inspector Alexander.
"Of the six firearms located in their possession, four were registered to other people. Thanks to the Firearms Registry we were able to trace the licence holders who allegedly diverted their firearms.
"The investigation revealed alleged attempts to subsequently conceal the offending by providing misleading information about the true ownership of the firearms.
"Four men and two women now face a variety of charges including attempting to defeat the course of justice, intentionally failing to register firearms, knowingly providing false or misleading information to the Police for the Registry, and supplying a firearm to an unlicensed person."
The Authority's Executive Director Angela Brazier says the Firearms Registry has proved invaluable by linking the unlawful hunting in Cheviot with licence holders who allegedly diverted their firearms, and who are now being held to account.
"We know that illegal hunting is a serious public safety concern in our rural communities.
"The Firearms Registry links firearms to licence holders, improves traceability, and supports frontline Police. The majority of licence holders have no trouble complying with their Registry obligations and know the rules about keeping firearms out of the hands of unlicensed people who may go on to commit offences."
To date more than 110,000 active individual licence holders have listed their details in the Firearms Registry, more than 49 per cent of all active licence holders. They have registered more than 538,000 firearms. Licence holders have until August 2028 to update the Registry unless they have an activating circumstance before that date, such as buying a firearm or ammunition.
Court appearances
- Two men aged 22 and 73 years, and two women aged 52 and 73 years, all of Kaikōura, are due to reappear at Kaikōura District Court on 12 December.
- A Hurunui man aged 38 years is due to reappear at Christchurch District Court on 13 November.
- A Hurunui man aged 47 years is due to appear at Christchurch District Court on 5 November.
N.B. The number of arrests and firearms in this operation were counted in figures released on 29 October about a transnational operation against illicit firearms.
Anyone with concerns about firearms offending can phone Police on 105, or 111 if life is in immediate danger. Anonymous calls can be made to Crime Stoppers 0800 555 111.
