Police beat: Armed and dangerous in Hamilton

Hamilton's police commander is crediting a combination of officers following their instincts backed up with new, more effective legislation for the arrest of a man and the recovery of an assault rifle and drugs during a routine traffic stop earlier this week.

Inspector Greg Nicholls said a car was pulled over on Rua St and the 35-year-old driver spoken to.

"A subsequent search under the recently introduced Search and Surveillance Act resulted in the recovery of two containers of what is believed to be methamphetamine, a bag of yet to be identified pills, some scales and some chemicals.

"Officers also discovered a 5.56 calibre M4 type, scoped assault rifle, a high-capacity magazine and a large box containing several packets of ammunition. Two electric soft air BB type rifles were also found that if pointed at someone would certainly appear authentic.

"We all know the risks drugs pose to our community but when you combine them with this type of weaponry it poses a serious risk not just to the criminals involved and our staff but to the wider community as well."

The man appeared in Hamilton District Court on five charges including unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of drug utensils and possession of drugs for supply.