Police have arrested more than a dozen people across Hawke’s Bay over the past week in response to an increase in reported firearm and gang-related offences.
According to Detective Senior Sergeant John Love, a rise in police reports led to the execution of search warrants at two properties located in Wairoa.
Targeted Raids in Wairoa and Mahia
On May 6, two individuals were arrested at a Wairoa address. During the operation, officers recovered cash, class C drugs, ammunition, a sawn-off shotgun, and a grow tent containing cannabis plants.
The two individuals appeared in the Gisborne District Court today. They face charges including cultivating cannabis, possessing cannabis for supply, and the unlawful possession of ammunition and firearms.
A second search warrant was carried out in Mahia the following day, resulting in the arrest of four men. Police reported that five firearms were seized during this operation. These four men also appeared in the Gisborne District Court today, charged with the unlawful possession of firearms.
District-Wide Enforcement
Beyond the targeted warrants in Wairoa and Mahia, police arrested another seven people across the district during the same week. These arrests involved a variety of charges, including:
- Drug offending
- Dangerous driving
- Breaching bail conditions
- Possession of an offensive weapon
Community Impact and Public Safety
The crackdown comes as police address the societal toll of organized crime. Detective Senior Sergeant Love stated that gang-related activity “disturbs the peace for members of the public and adds to a feeling of being unsafe.”
Love emphasized the objective for the region, stating, “We want our community in Wairoa to be free of the threat of firearms, violence and general lawlessness that come with the presence of gangs.”
Looking Ahead
As police continue to monitor gang activity, further operations may be conducted to address the reported rise in offences. The continued safety of the Wairoa community is likely to depend on ongoing enforcement and public cooperation. Anyone wishing to report illegal activity is encouraged to contact police via 105.
