Police arrested four men and seized drugs and more than $50,000 in cash in a series of raids of properties in Christchurch and Northland targeting gang members in relation to a drive-by shooting.
Armed officers and uniformed police carried out six search warrants on Thursday, three in Christchurch and three in Northland.
Four men, aged 49, 43, 18 and 17, were arrested.
Each has been charged with a number of serious offences, including doing a dangerous act with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, arson and participating in an organised criminal group.
The three younger men have also been jointly charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, and all four will appear in court on Friday, the teenagers in Christchurch and the older pair in Whangārei.
The investigation, named Operation Brantley, was launched following a drive-by shooting at a house – understood to be linked to the Head Hunters gang – on Brunner Terrace in Kamo, north of Whangārei, on May 7.
“Our investigation has targeted members and associates of the Mongols motorcycle gang,” a police spokesperson said.
“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 inquiries.”
Three of those arrested were detained during a pre-planned search a house on Straven Rd in the upmarket Christchurch suburb of Fendalton.
Armed police were on standby as officers led three men away in handcuffs, searching a number of cars parked at the property. Police dogs were also involved in the operation.
Several vehicles could be seen in the garage, including a black Suzuki swift, Mercedes e550, a Ford SUV, a motorcycle and a bicycle.
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