Two men have been arrested following a series of search warrants in Southland over illegal hunting and associated criminal activity.
Police seized three firearms, ammunition, methamphetamine, cannabis and a four-wheel drive vehicle in Invercargill and Mataura Island as a part of Operation Hawk, which targets illegal hunting activity.
Senior Constable Nicky Herbert told 1News that illegal hunting posed serious risks to public safety and the environment.
“The presence of firearms and drugs in these contexts significantly escalates the potential for harm.
“These actions are not only criminal but dangerous, and they will not be tolerated.”
The two men now faced charges of unlawful possession of firearms, reckless discharging of firearms and entering agricultural land with intent to commit a crime.
Police said further charges were being considered.
A 24-year-old man was due to appear in Gore District Court on August 27 and a 28-year-old man would reappear in Invercargill District Court on September 16.