Gisborne Police have seized $40,000, 16g of methamphetamine and four firearms yesterday in Gisborne and Tauranga as part of the Eastern District focus on gangs and organised crime through Operation Kōtare.
Multiple search warrants were executed yesterday morning in both cities. Methamphetamine and cash were located at the Gisborne address and four firearms were seized from a Tauranga address.
Three men have been arrested and charged with various charges including possession of methamphetamine for supply and unlawful possession of firearms.
Inspector Darren Paki says methamphetamine causes huge amounts of harm in whānau and in communities, and gangs are involved in the distribution and supply of meth at every level.
Illegal firearms are also a commodity that gang members value and use to commit crimes of violence, and it is pleasing to see more firearms taken off the street so that members of our communities can feel safer.
“Operation Kōtare will continue to reduce the harm that gang members cause in communities through their actions of supplying methamphetamine and committing acts a of violence.
"We are totally committed to keeping our communities safe by disrupting and preventing gang harm.”
We welcome information from anyone who has concerns about organised crime, gang activity, or the illegal possession of firearms in their community.
You can make a report online at 105.police.govt.nz, call Police on 105, or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre