22 Jun 2022

Three arrested in Wairoa after police seize guns, cash and drugs

1:22 pm on 22 June 2022

Three people have been arrested in Wairoa after police seized guns, cash, and drugs.

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Photo: RNZ

A woman, 41, and two men, aged 37 and 56 have been arrested on firearm and drug related charges after a series of search warrants over the past week.

Both men were patched members of the Mongrel Mob.

Senior Sergeant Maui Aben said getting firearms out of the hands of those not licensed to have them was significant for the community.

"Police are still to determine where the firearms originated from and whether they have been used in any recent firearms incidents in the wider Wairoa area," he said in a statement.

Police remained committed to closing down the distribution of any illegal drug that caused harm to the Wairoa community, he said.

Police seized a firearm, ammunition, cannabis, methamphetamine and cash after this week issuing two search warrants.

The two men are set to appear appear in the Gisborne District Court on Wednesday.

The 37-year-old is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of cannabis and obstructing the police.

The 56-year-old man is charged with possession of methamphetamine for supply, possession of cannabis, and possession of utensils for methamphetamine use.

The 41-year-old woman has been charged with possession of methamphetamine and is scheduled to appear in Wairoa District Court on Friday, 1 July.

Senior Sergeant Aben said a 21-year-old patched Black Power member who was being sought for several serious driving matters in Wairoa and across the wider Hawke's Bay area was also located.

He is due to appear in Wairoa District Court on 3 August on charges relating to dangerous driving, driving at a dangerous speed, failing to stop when signalled, unlicensed driver failing to comply with prohibition, and possession of utensils for methamphetamine use.