Police in Christchurch on Wednesday charged a 33-year-old man with a series of weapons offences, less than two months after the New Zealand city was shaken by a terrorist attack on two mosques that left 50 people dead.
The charges came after an explosive device and detonator cord were found at an empty section of the South Island’s biggest city on Tuesday.
Local news website Stuff reported that the man was accused among other charges of possession of an improvised explosive device and detonator cord, 45.22 calibre rounds as well as powergel explosives and some knives.
On Tuesday, cordons were put in place in the inner suburb of Phillipstown where the bomb was found and houses in the neighbouring streets were evacuated as a precaution.
The bomb disposal unit rendered the package safe and the man was taken in custody. The accused did not seek bail and was remanded in custody till Monday. So far nothing is known about his background or whether he was planning to use the bomb.