A Richmond home invaded by four armed gang associates on Monday (6 October) was catalyst for Nelson police to conduct search warrants at three local addresses early this morning.
This Operation involved up to 40 police staff, including support from the Nelson Armed Offenders Squad, and targeted two Nelson City and one Richmond address.
Four local men have been arrested and charged with a variety of serious offences, including aggravated robbery and kidnapping in relation to Monday night's incident.
Head of Nelson Bays CIB, Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Johnston, said Police believed the incident was drug related. “Police regard any gang related intimidation or home invasion as a serious threat to our community safety that we will not tolerate in any form.
“The public can be assured that we take any such threats seriously and will respond as we have done today. We encourage people to come forward with any information they may have about this incident or similar gang-related attempts to intimidate and extort property by use of weapons and other forms of violence.”
Four men aged 44, 40, 38 and 34 will appear in the Nelson District Court later today on a variety of serious charges relating to Monday night's incident. Their bail is being opposed.
ENDS
Issued by Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Johnston, Ph 03 545 9823.