Director of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kash Patel, gifted illegal firearms to New Zealand officials during his visit earlier this year, police authorities said on Wednesday.

Patel visited New Zealand in July to open a standalone intellegence office there. He is the highest-ranking official from US President Donald Trump's administration to have visited the country.

What was the gift?

New Zealand's Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said he received a "coin display stand featuring an inoperable plastic 3D-printed replica pistol" from Patel.

"The advice of the Firearms Safety Authority was sought the following day and the gifts were collected from recipients and secured that day," Chambers said in a statement. "While inoperable in the form they were gifted, a subsequent analysis by the Firearms Safety Authority and Police Armoury determined that modifications could have made them operable," he added. 

Similar gifts were given to Andrew Hampton and Andrew Clark, the bosses of New Zealand's spy agency.

Two senior elected officials, Police Minister Mark Mitchell and Minister for Defense, Judith Collins, said that Patel had given them pistols too.

All the firearms were destroyed in compliance with local firearms laws, statements from the various institutions said. 

How did the US react?

A US embassy spokesperson in Wellington said the gift was a coin display stand and the non-operable firearm replica was a design element.

"We supported New Zealand officials' efforts to ensure this gift did not inadvertently contravene any New Zealand firearms laws. The embassy has indicated to our New Zealand counterparts our understanding and acceptance of their decision regarding the disposition of the director's well-intentioned gift."

The FBI has not commented on the matter.

New Zealand has strict rules on firearms, especially pistols, which were strengthened after a mass shooting in 2019.

Edited by: Wesley Dockery