Two gang members have been arrested after shots were fired in Tairāwhiti over the last week.
It comes as police have invoked special powers to deal with rising tensions between Mongrel Mob and Black Power members.
Inspector Darren Paki said the arrests were made after search warrants were carried out at Gisborne and Waipirio Bay addresses.
"Two gang members, plus a third man, were taken into custody," Paki said.
"An 18-year old man is due to appear in the Gisborne District Court on charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, discharging a firearm near a house, and unlawful possession of a firearm."
He also outlined charges being faced by the other two men.
"A 30-year-old man is due to appear in the Gisborne District Court on a charge of presenting a firearm following an incident Wednesday night.
"A 27-year-old man will also appear on charges of being a party to the offending."
It comes as Operation Medial was launched by police last weekend, following several "firearms-related events" amid tensions between rival gangs in Tairāwhiti.
Paki explained how The Criminal Activity Intervention Legislation Act (CAIL) 2023 lets the police apply for "special search warrant powers during times of gang conflict".
"Tairāwhiti Police have invoked these powers giving them the ability to search vehicles and occupants of vehicles of suspected gang members, and to seize firearms and weapons, and vehicles."
SHARE ME