Police have carried out a major gang-focused operation in Hawke’s Bay, combining enforcement with community support initiatives to tackle organised crime and its wider impacts.
According to a report by 1News, the operation, named Tar, was led by the gang disruption unit and targeted gangs, drugs and firearms over the past week. Both prevention and enforcement teams were deployed, resulting in the seizure of 17 firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, more than $30,000 in cash, around four kilograms of cannabis, and 15 grams of methamphetamine.
Nine people were arrested after the firearms and drugs were discovered across Hawke’s Bay and Wairoa. Police also served seven compulsory DNA orders and conducted a drug-testing morning for people on bail as part of the crackdown, 1News has reported.
Alongside enforcement, authorities focused on community wellbeing. A dedicated team identified whānau affected by the offending and connected them with support agencies to address underlying issues and vulnerabilities. A central hub was established in Hawke’s Bay, with specialist staff brought in from across the country to assist with outreach efforts.
Detective Inspector James Keene said the operation was a “coordinated, intelligence-led operation with community safety and wellbeing at its core,” as quoted by 1News.
“Our aim is not only to disrupt organised criminal activity, but to reduce the harm it causes to whānau and communities,” 1News has quoted.
The initiative also formed part of a broader, police-led multi-agency programme aimed at building resilience to organised crime within communities.
(Source: New Zealand Police)
Keene said: “We know the impact of gang-related offending often extends well beyond the immediate criminal activity.”
“For example, we know that methamphetamine addiction continues to harm individuals, whānau and communities.
“Alongside enforcement, we worked to identify people and whānau who had been affected and linked them with the support they need," as quoted by 1News.
(Source: New Zealand Police)
Police indicated further arrests are likely as investigations continue. Those already detained face a range of charges, including drug dealing and firearms offences.
Keene added that 96% of whānau approached by support teams accepted assistance.
“Disrupting gangs and reducing the availability of drugs and firearms remains a priority for Eastern District Police,” 1News has quoted.