Police find 3D printed gun, meth during traffic stop in Stratford

A 37-year-old man has been arrested after police found a 3D printed firearm, a shotgun and methamphetamine during a routine traffic stop in Stratford.

During a routine traffic stop at around 1:40am on Monday, police in Stratford noticed drug paraphernalia and the smell of cannabis coming from a vehicle.

The driver and passenger were detained while a search was carried out.

Police found and seized a .22 3D printed firearm, a shotgun, ammunition, "numerous other offensive weapons", methamphetamine and an amount of cannabis.

Senior sergeant Malcolm Collins said one of the firearms was reportedly found tucked up in the driver's footwell.

"There is no good reason for a firearm to be so easily accessible to a driver - this was a great catch, and I want to commend staff for their vigilance and excellent work to get these firearms out of the community."

The man arrested was due to appear in the New Plymouth District Court on Monday charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of cannabis, two counts of unlawfully possessing ammunition and five counts of possessing an offensive weapon.