A Dunedin man attempting visit court found himself in the dock after a bag scan revealed a knuckle-duster, a bong, a gang patch and meth paraphernalia.
Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond, of Dunedin, said officers were notified by court security staff when the man attempted to enter the Dunedin District Court building about 11am on Tuesday.
The 33-year-old man had a backpack and X-ray screening revealed it contained a haul of prohibited items including a gang patch, a knuckle-duster, methamphetamine utensils, a bong and a small amount of cannabis, Snr Sgt Bond said.
The courts had had airport-style security for several years and police were infrequently called after contraband items were found, albeit not usually to the same extent.
"People know they’re going to be searched and have their belongings scanned on the way in, but there are people that do either forget or don’t think they’ll be caught out," Snr Sgt Bond said.
The man was arrested and charged with possession of an offensive weapon, possession of methamphetamine utensils and possession of cannabis utensils.
