A search warrant executed in Taranaki yesterday as part of Operation Cobalt has yielded successful results for Police and the community.
Around 7:15am yesterday, Police attended an address associated with the Highway 61 gang and found firearms, ammunition, two stolen cars, one stolen motorcycle and methamphetamine.
A number of workgroups contributed to the successful execution of this warrant including the Taranaki Armed Offenders Squad, Tactical Crime Unit and Criminal Investigation Branch investigators and Public Safety Team Constables.
The occupants of the address where the search warrant was conducted yesterday have been identified and Police are continuing to make enquiries to locate them.
"Taranaki Police were able to take some real steps in preventing harm in our community by seizing these items used to perpetuate violence and crime," says CIB Investigator Detective Senior Sergeant Gerard Bouterey.
"The unlawful possession of firearms is a concern and it is great that we have been able to take them out of the wrong hands and get them off the street.
"Taranaki Police are committed to ensuring we contribute to Operation Cobalt by targeting and disrupting unlawful gang activities.
"We want to send a clear message to gangs that unlawful behaviour will not be tolerated and people will be held accountable for their behaviour."
The public can expect to see increased policing of gang members in public places to prevent and disrupt unlawful behaviour and enable the community to feel safe.
Crime, intimidation, and gang violence generated by gang members causes a significant impact on the wellbeing of communities.
We need the local community in Taranaki to help us address unlawful behaviour in our region.
Information can be given to Police by contacting 111 if it is happening now and 105 after the fact.
If for whatever reason you do not want to speak to Police directly, you can anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online via www.crimestoppers-nz.org
