As stated by Manawatū Area Commander, Inspector Marty Gray:
A cut-down firearm and ammunition have been seized by Police acting on a breach of the Gang Insignia Act in Palmerston North.
About 8.50am on Tuesday, Police spotted a man allegedly wearing a Black Power patch on Highbury Avenue.
He was stopped in his car on Birmingham Street and during a routine search, Police located rounds of ammunition in a resealable bag.
A subsequent search of the man's vehicle turned up a cut-down .22 calibre rifle, with a round in the chamber ready to fire. A machete, knives and more ammunition were also located in the vehicle.
The 36-year-old is due to appear in the Palmerston North District today, charged with two counts of unlawfully possessing a firearm, possessing an offensive weapon, prohibited display of gang insignia in public, and possessing a syringe.
Finding a firearm that has been altered, loaded and is ready to fire is concerning. Getting it off the street is a terrific result.
