A routine traffic stop in the Far North has led police to locating a firearm, ammunition, methamphetamine, another “offensive weapon” and drug paraphernalia.

Police clocked a vehicle exceeding the 50km/h speed limit on SH11, Kawakawa, on Tuesday about 10.10pm.

The vehicle was stopped by officers, who found it had been reported stolen the week before.

The driver told police a firearm was in the vehicle, which resulted in officers conducting a warrantless search.

During the search, officers located and seized the firearm, ammunition, another offensive weapon, as well as methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

A 24-year-old man was arrested and has been remanded in custody, to reappear in Kaikohe District Court on January 13.

He is facing charges of unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition, possessing methamphetamine and utensils for using methamphetamine, possessing an offensive weapon, possessing opiates and receiving stolen property.

Jenny Ling is a senior journalist at the Northern Advocate. She has a special interest in covering human interest stories, along with finance, roading and social issues.