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ALDEN WILLIAMS / THINGS
A focus on gang activity has resulted in 12 search warrants and 15 arrests in Wairoa in the past six weeks. (File photo)
A six-week crackdown on gang activity in Wairoa has resulted in 15 arrests, including members of the Mongrel Mob and Black Power.
Detective Inspector Brent Greville, the Eastern District’s Acting Crimes Manager, said five men had been charged in connection with recent incidents, including charges of violence, firearms and drugs, and 10 others were arrested with warrants.
Twelve search warrants were executed as part of the ongoing operation against organized crime, including one in Napier, where three pistols and a set of ballistic armor were seized.
“We want to send a clear message that such criminal activity will not be tolerated,” Greville said.
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“It causes immeasurable damage to our communities, damage that we are committed to reducing.”
The Eastern Police would continue to target gangs and anyone else who becomes involved in organized crime and illegal possession of firearms.
Supplied
A search warrant at Napier uncovered three pistols, including this one, and a set of ballistic armor was seized.
The police “would continue to dialogue with gang leaders and the community in an ongoing effort to prevent violence in the future.”
The approach was in line with the Police Commissioner’s announcement of the nationally coordinated Operation Tauwhiro, focused on preventing harm and enforcing the law in communities.
