Gun found in luggage

A loaded pistol was allegedly found in the luggage of a Head Hunter gang member as he prepared to board a domestic flight at Auckland Airport. He was returning home to Christchurch after being in Auckland to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the gang's influential East chapter last weekend. The firearm was allegedly found by Aviation Security staff when the luggage was checked in and went through security screening at the domestic terminal at Auckland Airport. A police spokesperson confirmed a 38-year-old man was arrested shortly after 1pm on Wednesday and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. Court documents show the firearm was a Browning 7.65 calibre pistol, which the Herald on Sunday understands was loaded with four rounds of ammunition. The Christchurch man is next due to appear in the Manukau District Court at the end of May.