Police raid nets meth, cash, guns

Loaded firearms, drugs worth

$345,000 and $50,000 cash have been found in a raid at a gang member’s Sumner home.

Police seized 345 grams of methamphetamine, four firearms, a stun gun, cash and gang clothing at the Christchurch property on Wednesday.

Sergeant Chris Barker said three loaded guns were found in the lounge of the property.

‘‘This is a house in which children were present, and it was very concerning to find these weapons in easy reach. This was a disaster waiting to happen.’’

Benjamin Richard Henderson,

31, faced 11 charges in relation to the raid when he appeared before Judge David Saunders in the Christchurch District Court yesterday. He was remanded in custody to appear again on January

11.

He was charged with possessing a Taser, unlawfully possessing shotguns, a pistol and ammunition, and failing to assist a constable with a search under the Search and Surveillance Act. He is also charged with possessing cannabis, methamphetamine for supply, a pipe for smoking cannabis, equipment for using methamphetamine. He entered no pleas. Barker thanked the community for their help and ‘‘speaking out’’ when they saw illegal activity. ‘‘This is a great example of the community working together with police to take out unwanted criminal gangs.’’

Police also seized thousands of dollars of assets and have not ruled out further arrests.