Police have seized a myriad of firearms, drugs, and cash and laid more than 50 charges as part of continued disruption to gang activity.
Over the past week, police from Northland's organised crime teams executed a number of search warrants in the Far North targeting an alleged methamphetamine distribution network.
Police said the 10 warrants across Kaitaia, Taipa, Kaikohe, and Kaeo led officers to finding 16 firearms, including several prohibited weapons, and ammunition.
Forty-five grams of methamphetamine, 250 cannabis plants, $36,000 in cash, and $50,000 worth of stolen property, including vehicles, was also found and seized.
Nine people, who police said are alleged to be linked to a number of gangs, including Tribesman, Head Hunters, and the Mongrel Mob, have been arrested.
Together, they are facing 57 charges between them relating to possession of methamphetamine for supply, supplies methamphetamine, cultivating cannabis, and unlawful possession of firearms.
Notably, a 40-year-old woman from Kaitaia with "strong links" to the Tribesman Gang was arrested on February 27 and is facing three counts of possession of methamphetamine for supply and nine counts of suppling methamphetamine. Additionally, a 50-year-old Taipa man who also has "strong links" to several criminal gangs was arrested on February 28 and charged with possession of methamphetamine for supply, cultivating cannabis, and possession of substances capable of manufacturing methamphetamine.
They have both been remanded in custody and are due to reappear in the Kaitaia District Court on March 15, 2023.
There is also a 35-year-old woman from Kaitaia with links to the Mongrel Mob Gang who was arrested on March 6 and charged with possession of cannabis for supply, as well as 25 counts of supplies methamphetamine. She is due to appear in the Kaitaia District Court on Tuesday.
The six others are due to reappear in the Kaitaia District Court in due course.
Northland CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Kevan Verry said Northland Police are committed to targeting gang offenders who "are causing the most harm to our communities".
"This latest operation is a culmination of several months of investigation work generated by intelligence we have received from our communities," he said.
"We know that drugs are a driver of crime and that members of gangs and their wider criminal syndicates prey on the addiction of our communities, and have no qualms to make a profit off the misery of others."
Det Snr Sgt Verry said police are dedicated to disrupting their illicit activities and, where appropriate, hold those offenders to account.
"Police are also focused on helping break the drug addiction cycle and will continue to reach out to customers we identify of drug suppliers to offer a variety of support services and opportunities," he said.
"Whilst the operation focused on the distributors of methamphetamine, it was also supported by staff from Northland Meth Harm Reduction Team, who have been following up on identified drug users to conduct home visits to proactively offer them help to break the addiction cycle."
Police said they welcome information from anyone who has concerns about organised crime, gang activity, or the illegal possession of firearms in their community.
"We rely on the eyes and ears of our community and whanau members who can help reduce the harm in our communities," they said.
People can report crime online at 105.police.govt.nz, call Police on 105, or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org. If it is happening now, call 111.
