A Dunedin man attempting to visit court found himself in the dock, after a bag scan allegedly 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 when the man attempted to enter the Dunedin District Court building yesterday about 11am.
The 33-year-old man had a backpack, and when it was screened, the X-Ray machine revealed the haul of shady items — comprising a gang patch, knuckle-duster, methamphetamine utensils, along with a bong and a small amount of cannabis, Snr Sgt Bond said.
The man was arrested and was due to appear in court this morning, charged with possession of an offensive weapon, possession of methamphetamine utensils and possession of utensils for cannabis.
The courts had airport-style security for several years and police were infrequently called for contraband items, 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.
