10 Feb 2023

Police follow Tribesmen from Wellington to Southland, arrest six

3:41 pm on 10 February 2023
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Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

Police have arrested six Tribesmen gang members in a targeted operation across the South Island.

As Tribesmen gang members made their way from the North Island down to Southland last week, police began an operation Wellington and followed them as they made their way down to Canterbury and into the Southland and Otago-Lakes regions.

As part of the operation, police impounded 15 motorbikes, two vehicles, suspended 15 licences and made six arrests relating to drug and driving offences.

Police assistant commissioner investigations Paul Basham said police across the South Island shared intelligence for the operation.

"Police are continuing to step up enforcement and disruption of unlawful gang activity across the country as Operation Cobalt continues following great success last year.

"Our message is very clear to gang members and their associates - we will have zero tolerance for any criminal behaviour, whether that be on our roading network, drug activities or violence."