Please attribute to Detective Inspector Bridget Doell, Northland CIB:
Police have made multiple arrests in Whangārei and Christchurch over a firearms incident that occurred in Northland last month.
Operation Brantley was launched following a drive-by shooting at a house on Brunner Terrace, Kamo on 7 May.
Our investigation has targeted members and associates of the Mongols motorcycle gang.
Today, Police in Northland and Canterbury terminated six search warrants (three in Northland and three in Christchurch) with support from members of the Armed Offenders Squad.
Four men - aged 49, 43, 18 and 17 - have been arrested and charged with number of serious offences.
Those charges are: Doing a dangerous act with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, arson and participating in an organised criminal group.
Three of the men - aged 43, 18 and 17 - have also been jointly charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.
All four are due to appear in court tomorrow. The two teenagers are due to appear in Christchurch, while the other two men are due to appear in Whangārei.
At search warrants in Christchurch, Police have also located a quantity of methamphetamine and more than $50,000 in cash.
Today’s arrests are a culmination of diligent investigative work by Police in both Northland and Canterbury districts.
At this stage we cannot rule out further arrests being made as part of our enquiries.
Police have zero tolerance for gang violence in our communities. We’re putting those people involved in this sort of illegal activity on notice – if they choose to involve themselves in these events then they should expect to be targeted by Police.
As this matter is now before the Court, Police are unable to comment further at this time.
ENDS
Jarred Williamson/NZ Police