Wanganui Police executed a search warrant this morning (Wednesday, 25 November) at the city's Hells Angels Headquarters in Kaikokopu Road.
The operation began around 6.45am when members of the Armed Offenders Squad enter a compound and three-storey building. During entry a number of distraction devices were activated by police. Once the premises were cleared and secured, teams of police officers joined the operation to search the building and grounds, a process that took a number of hours. Approximately 35 officers from Wanganui and Palmerston North were involved in the operation.
When police first arrived at the location there were three men inside the premises and entry was gained without incident.
A small amount of cannabis was located at the premises. A 48-year-old man from Wanganui has been charged with possession of cannabis and a 41-year-old man from Wanganui has been charged with threats to kill. Both are due to appear at Wanganui District Court on Tuesday, 1 December.
The warrant follows on from an aggravated burglary at an address in Wanganui on Saturday, 3 October during which a woman was assaulted, and property including licensed firearms, were stolen. All parties involved in that incident are believed to be known to one another.
A 32-year-old man from Wanganui has been charged in connection with that incident and is currently remanded in custody on 13 charges including threats to kill, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, aggravated burglary and commission of a crime with a firearm. A 33-year-old woman from Wanganui is also charged with accessory after the fact in relation to the same incident and is currently on bail. Both are next due to appear before Wanganui District Court on Monday, 7 December.
A car that police wanted to trace in relation to the aggravated burglary investigation was not found at the Kaikokopu Road address but was located elsewhere in the city this morning.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 06 351 2546 or 027 234 8256.