Police given special search powers to crack down on gangs in Ōpōtiki have made arrests and seized drugs, $27,000 in cash, weapons and ammunition.
Ōpōtiki and Whakatāne police were granted the powers under the Criminal Activity Intervention Legislation Act (CAIL) 2023 to quell ongoing gang tension from Monday this week. It came after a woman was shot in the arm while sitting in a car in Ōpōtiki on Saturday.
The legislation allows police to apply for special search powers during times of gang conflict.
Eastern Bay of Plenty area commander Inspector Nicky Cooney told the Rotorua Daily Post in a statement that staff had executed nine CAIL warrants; two at addresses and seven on vehicles.
Items seized included $27,000 in cash, weapons (not firearms), ammunition, LSD and cannabis, he said.