Gang recruits in Hawke’s Bay: police seize drugs, cash and 21 guns

Police arrested seven people and seized 21 firearms and sets of methamphetamine, cannabis, and cash from search warrants triggered by violent gang incidents in the region.

East Chief Investigations Inspector Inspector Rob Jones said search warrants had been executed in Hawke’s Bay, Raupunga and Gisborne since Dec. 8.

Jones said the warrants were part of an ongoing investigation into the illegal possession of firearms and drug trafficking offenses by gangs throughout the Eastern District, following drive-by shootings and violent attacks in recent weeks.

In total, 21 firearms were recovered and seized, including an MSSA-style high-powered assault rifle, numerous severed weapons, and a revolver.

Several of the seized firearms were loaded.

Methamphetamine, cannabis, ammunition and cash were also seized.

A total of $ 26,000 was seized at one address, according to Jones.

Several registered addresses where firearms and ammunition were found are connected to members and associates of Black Power and Mongrel Mob.

Jones said these raids highlight police concerns about the “apparent ease of access for criminals, including gang members, to possess firearms and ammunition.”

“The Eastern Police are committed to attacking organized crime activity in the area and those people who are in illegal possession of firearms,” ​​he said.

“We want to send a clear message that such criminal activity will not be tolerated. It causes immeasurable harm to our communities, harm that we are committed to reducing.”

A 50-year-old man was arrested and appeared in Wairoa District Court on firearms charges.

A 47-year-old man and a 45-year-old woman, both from Waipukurau, were arrested and charged with methamphetamine-related drug trafficking offenses.

A 35-year-old man was arrested and charged with supplying methamphetamine. He has been placed in preventive detention and is due to appear before the Gisborne District Court on January 31, 2021.

A 58-year-old Hastings man was arrested on methamphetamine-related drug trafficking charges.

A 49-year-old Eskdale man was arrested for burglary and being on the property illegally, and a 37-year-old Bayview woman was arrested on methamphetamine possession and firearms charges. Both will appear in Napier District Court on December 23.

Police also expect to file additional charges related to firearms and receiving offenses.

Jones said police will continue to target anyone involved in the manufacture and distribution of illicit drugs, and the number of high-powered firearms seized indicates a willingness to perpetrate intimidation and violence to pursue illegal activity.

“Similarly, the police will continue to engage with gang leaders and the community in an ongoing effort to prevent future violence,” he said.

“The recovery of these firearms is a great relief to the police and people in illegal possession of firearms should expect to be attacked by the police.”

Investigations to locate those involved in the crime and establish how these firearms have come into the possession of gang members continue.