• Police found an unloaded military-style shotgun in a guitar case during a traffic stop in Auckland.
• Inspector Rachel Dolheguy said officers also discovered shotgun shells, cannabis, and paraphernalia.
• A 34-year-old man will appear in Auckland District Court charged with possessing a firearm and cannabis.

An unloaded military-style pump action shotgun was found in a guitar case after police smelt cannabis during a routine traffic stop in Auckland, a police boss says.

Police officers were patrolling near Penrose Rd in Mt Wellington when they stopped a vehicle about 3.20am, Inspector Rachel Dolheguy said.

“The officers noticed a strong smell of cannabis coming from inside.”

A search of the vehicle turned up more than a stash of cannabis.

“A guitar case containing an unloaded military-style pump action shotgun was located in the boot”, Dolheguy said.

“Also found were four shotgun shells, a small amount of cannabis and cannabis paraphernalia.”

Dolheguy praised the officers’ keen sense of smell and forthright response.

“This was great proactive police work by our officers, which has resulted in a high-powered weapon being removed from our community.”

A 34-year-old man was due to appear in Auckland District Court today charged with possessing a firearm and possessing cannabis.

Cherie Howie is an Auckland-based reporter who joined the Herald in 2011. She has been a journalist for more than 20 years and specialises in general news and features.