Police set up a drug-testing morning for people on bail during a targeted gang crackdown in Hawke's Bay, also serving seven compulsory DNA orders.
The operation, named Tar, was led by the gang disruption unit and targeted gangs, drugs and firearms last week with both prevention and enforcement teams.
It resulted in the seizure of 17 firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, more than $30,000 cash, and approximately four kilograms of cannabis, and 15g of methamphetamine.
Nine people were arrested after the firearms and drugs were located in Hawke’s Bay and Wairoa.
At the same time, police said a dedicated team identified whānau affected by the offending and connected them with agencies able to provide support aimed at addressing the underlying issues and vulnerabilities that contribute to ongoing harm.
A hub was also established in Hawke’s Bay, and qualified staff were deployed from across the country to support the operation and engage with affected whānau.
This team worked with police intelligence to identify those impacted and in most need of assistance, police added.
Seven DNA compulsion orders were served, and a drug testing morning was undertaken for people on bail, and wanted to arrest enforcement action was also taken.
Detective Inspector James Keene said the operation was a “coordinated, intelligence-led operation with community safety and wellbeing at its core”.
“Our aim is not only to disrupt organised criminal activity, but to reduce the harm it causes to whānau and communities.”
The operation also involved resilience to organised crime in communities, a police -led, multi-agency initiative designed to disrupt the influence of organised crime and strengthen communities.
Keene said: “We know the impact of gang-related offending often extends well beyond the immediate criminal activity.”
“For example, we know that methamphetamine addiction continues to harm individuals, whānau and communities.
“Alongside enforcement, we worked to identify people and whānau who had been affected and linked them with the support they need."
Police said further arrests were likely as a result of the operation, and the nine arrested face a range of charges, which included drug dealing and firearms offences.
Keene added 96% of whānau engaged by the resilience to organised crime in communities team took up support.
“Disrupting gangs and reducing the availability of drugs and firearms remains a priority for Eastern District Police.”
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