Three children have been found amongst drugs and loaded firearms in a Hamilton home today, just a week after the police there dealt with two abandoned children in appalling conditions.
The children, all under eight years old, have been referred to Child, Youth and Family by Hamilton police after armed officers searched a house in the suburb of Melville.
The children weren't home alone but they might have been better off had they been, Sergeant Dale Smith said.
Police found two patched gang members at the address and drug paraphernalia on the stove in the kitchen.
"In the garage an indoor cannabis growing operation was discovered with several plants that were described as being of very high quality."
Two sawn off shotguns and ammunition were found in the garage.
Of greatest concern to police was a hidden, cut-down, loaded .22 rifle. It had a "round up the spout" which highlighted the links between organised criminal groups, the illicit drugs trade and illegal trade in firearms, Mr Smith said.
One man has been arrested and will appear in court on Monday to face drug supply, cultivation and firearms charges.
"The sad thing about all this is the effect it has on the children. There were three kids aged under eight at the property including one infant. Goodness knows what message is being taken in with patched gang members, loaded firearms and drugs in their home.
Last week two young children were found home alone in a Hamilton West home surrounded by alcohol cans.
