Five Black Power and Mongrel Mob gang members have been charged as police cracked down on gang conflict in Wairoa last week.
The arrests were made after police carried out 15 vehicle stops in the area.
The gang members have been charged with a range of offences, including possession of offensive weapons, possession of methamphetamine and cannabis, driving while disqualified, and breach of bail.
Various quantities of methamphetamine and cannabis, along with knives and other weapons — including a set of knuckle dusters with a blade attached — were also found. Three vehicles were impounded.
The arrests were made after Eastern District Police were granted a Gang Conflict Warrant , under the Criminal Activity Intervention Legislation Act 2023. The Act enables police to apply for special search warrant powers during gang conflicts.
The warrant was sought after shots were allegedly fired at a house and cars were set ablaze on Grey St on September 10.
A woman sustained serious burns following the incident.
“It was fortunate that more people were not seriously injured,” Acting Tairāwhiti Area Commander Danny Kirk said.
“The use of serious violence and firearms in public places will not be tolerated and gangs can expect a stern response from police when members of the public are put at risk by their actions.”
In addition, a patched Black Power member was arrested last Friday after two firearms were found at his home.
The 24-year-old was remanded in custody to appear in Gisborne District Court today charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.
Tairāwhiti Police are also continuing to investigate a report of shots being fired at a house on Glasgow Cres between Tuesday and Wednesday last week.
“Nobody was injured in this incident however the occupants of the house were understandably shaken,” Kirk said.
“Police would like to thank members of the public who got in touch with information to assist police inquiries since last week.
“We urge anyone who has concerns about criminal offending by gangs in their community to contact police so this can be investigated.”
