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Police recovered weapons, some loaded, and made a series of arrests with seven people now facing weapons and drug charges.
Some of the weapons and ammunition that the police recovered during their operation.
Photo: Supplied / New Zealand Police
Five men and two women have been arrested.
Police said that since the operation began on Dec. 8, 21 weapons had been seized, including an MSSA-style high-powered assault rifle and numerous sawed-off weapons and a revolver, several of which were loaded with ammunition.
Some of the seized weapons.
Photo: Supplied / New Zealand Police
Methamphetamine, cannabis, and $ 26,000 in cash were also found on one property.
Search warrants were executed in Hawke’s Bay, Raupunga and Gisborne during the operation.
Detective Inspector Jones, manager of Eastern Investigations, said some of the addresses were linked to members of the Black Power and Mongrel Mob.
Jones said the findings highlighted the apparent ease of access for criminals, including gang members, to possess firearms and ammunition.
“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.”
The defendants include:
- A 50-year-old man who appeared in Wairoa District Court on firearms charges
- A 47-year-old man and a 45-year-old woman, both from Waipukurau, charged with methamphetamine-related drug trafficking offenses
- A 35-year-old man was charged with supplying methamphetamine and police hope to press further charges
- A 58-year-old Hastings man who was arrested on methamphetamine-related drug trafficking charges
- A 49-year-old Eskdale man was arrested for robbery and illegally being on property and a 37-year-old Bayview woman was arrested on methamphetamine possession and firearms charges. You are both due to appear in Napier District Court today.
Police said they were relieved to have recovered the firearms and were continuing their investigations into how the criminals took possession of them.
As such, they said they can make more arrests and can press more charges.
Police said they would also continue to speak with community and gang leaders as part of their efforts to prevent violence in the future.
