Christchurch Police have today executed a series of search warrants at addresses known to be linked to members of the Mongrel Mob Gang. The search warrants were a reaction to developing tensions between two factions of the Gang whose disagreements had escalated in recent days. Incidents which had spilled out into the public eye included attacks on one another's homes and vehicles.
A total of six addresses were visited by Police; three in Shirley, one in Opawa, one in New Brighton and one in Upper Riccarton. The Armed Offenders Squad was used to assist with the execution of one of the search warrants at one of the Shirley addresses. This necessitated the closure of Hills Rd for a short time. A firearm was recovered during the search of that address. A 38 year old man has been arrested and charged with unlawful possession of that firearm and will appear in court today.
At a second Shirley address, approximately 130 cannabis 'foils' or 'tinnies' were located hidden on the property. A woman in her early 20's has been charged with possession of cannabis for supply.
A second firearm was located at the address in Upper Riccarton. Police are continuing enquiries in relation to the ownership of that firearm.
Police are concerned about the escalation of conflict and violence between the two factions of the Mongrel Mob and the fact that it is spilling into the public arena. Police had been concerned that this violence could escalate further and, the fact that firearms have been located during the searches this morning, indicates that those concerns were well-founded.
Grant Wormald
Detective Senior Sergeant
Christchurch Northern