Five people were arrested and firearms seized in Canterbury overnight as police continue to crack down on gang activity across the region.
The arrests made overnight bring the total number made this week to 30 and include patched members and associates of the Mongols, as well as people not associated with the gang, who were previously sought by police.
A cannabis cultivation operation was found in an Aranui search this weekend, and enquiries into a second Islington search where a sawn-off shotgun and three air rifles were found are ongoing.
Two women, aged 37 and 30, were arrested in the Aranui search and will appear in the Christchurch District Court on outstanding warrants and drug charges tomorrow.
This weekend’s operation also included making police presence to those attending a gang event in Canterbury. There were “large numbers” of police at locations of interest.
“The majority of attendees who travelled from out of district are leaving, and Police have an increased presence on our roads and at the Christchurch Airport,” Superintendent Tony Hill said.
“You can expect to see an increased Police presence around Christchurch and the wider Canterbury district as we continue to monitor movements and respond as required.”
Anyone with public safety concerns is being asked to call the police on 111.
“If you have information that you would like to report relating to unlawful activity that does not present an immediate risk to safety, we encourage you to file a report online at or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111,” Hill said.