'A good day': 3 arrested, stolen guns, drugs seized in Tūrangi

Officers executed a search warrant at a property with links to the Mongrel Mob on Thursday, seizing nine stolen firearms, a large quantity of ammunition, a collection of stolen property and drugs.

Three arrests were made and stolen firearms were recovered following a police operation targeting drugs and gangs in Tūrangi yesterday.

A property with links to the Mongrel Mob was searched on Thursday, with police seizing nine stolen firearms, a large quantity of ammunition, a collection of stolen property and drugs.

Cultivation equipment was also seized from the property, alongside stolen construction equipment, chainsaws, a Yamaha motocross bike and other property.

A "large majority" has been returned to its rightful owners, police said.

Detective Sergeant Paul Meharry said police do not want drugs in the community or guns in the hands of gang members.

"We want to send a clear signal that we will disrupt this kind of criminal activity, which only harms people.

"The Taupō Organised Crime Team has had a strong focus on disrupting criminal activity in Tūrangi, and disrupting the sale and supply of illicit drugs in the community."

Meharry said it was a "good day" when police get firearms out of the hands of criminals.

"The community doesn't want this offending here, and neither do we."

An 18-year-old man has been charged with burglary, a 35-year-old woman faces drug-related charges, and a 29-year-old man has been charged with three counts of receiving stolen property and drug related charges.

Further charges are likely.

All three are due to appear in the Taupō District Court on May 8.

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