Thread: Should Have Been More Than a Warning

Unsecured shotgun and bong prompt police to issue warning

Unsecured shotgun and bong prompt police to issue warning | Stuff.co.nz

A callout to a bonfire in a small South Canterbury town has prompted police to issue a warning about the potential dangers of mixing drugs, alcohol and firearms.

Constable Craig Hedges, of St Andrews, said he was called to a bonfire in the backyard of a property at Pareora, just south of Timaru, where people had been drinking about 7.30pm on Thursday night.

While there were no issues with the bonfire, or those at the property, Hedges said the contents of a vehicle he stopped leaving the scene were cause for concern.

A plastic cannabis bong and unsecured shotgun were found in the car, he said.

The owner of the firearm said it had been left in the vehicle after he had been shooting rabbits earlier in the day, and agreed he should have properly secured it after using it, he said.

"He has been give a warning for the possession of the bong and we'll follow that up with the firearms officer as to whether we want to take it any further", Hedges said.

"The combination of drugs, alcohol and firearms don't mix, he wasn't using the firearm but he did have a firearm in his possession which could be of concern."

Hedges said the man was breath tested, however it produced a negative result.

The plastic bong had been destroyed, he said.

Further action might include educating the man around the use of firearms, Hedges said.

A police communications spokeswoman said firearms should be taken straight home and secured after use, rather than be left sitting in a car.

"Additionally, firearms owners are reminded that it is illegal to carry or use a loaded firearm in a vehicle", she said.

- Stuff