Gang raids: More police actions against Mongols members - AK47s seized, arrests

Chelsea Boyle is a reporter for the New Zealand Herald·NZ Herald·

24 Jun, 2020 03:18 AM2 mins to read

Police executed search warrants on Mongols MC related properties across the Bay of Plenty on Tuesday morning. Video / Mike Scott / Brett Phibbs

A further three search warrants have targeted the Mongols motorcycle gang in Waikato and Bay of Plenty today.

Over the past two days police have carried out eighteen search warrants as part of the final phase of a covert investigation dubbed Operation Silk.

As a result, a total of 17 people, ranging in age from 19 to 66, face 263 charges.

Three loaded AK47s and two MSSA (military-style semi-automatic) firearms are the latest guns to have been seized by police adding to yesterday's haul.

Superintendent Greg Williams, of the National Organised Crime Group, said this brings the total number of firearms seized during the raids to 13.

Williams has confirmed one of the firearms seized yesterday was an MP38 submachine gun.

The three people arrested today will appear in the Tauranga District Court and face charges including participating in an organised crime group, unlawful possession of firearms and conspiracy to deal methamphetamine.

Williams said police anticipate there will be further arrests made in relation to Operation Silk.

He has previously said the Mongols were a well-established criminal group known for drug trafficking, firearms and violent offences.

"The majority of this Bay of Plenty gang were deported from Australia and were from one of the Banditos chapters in Brisbane," he said.

The lengthy investigation that had targeted the gang had combated and prevented violent incidents, he said.

Police continue to appeal for information about the whereabouts of senior Mongols member Brodie Collins-Haskins of Auckland, who is facing several charges.