Further arrests in Wairoa operation

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

The police Operation Kōtare team have made further arrests in Wairoa as part of their ongoing methamphetamine inquiry and have seized “significant” amounts of methamphetamine, cannabis, weapons, and cash.

Search warrants were executed on Wednesday, June 28, at addresses linked to Mongrel Mob chapters Mongrelizm, Wairoa, and East Coast.

“The arrests involved Wairoa and Hawke’s Bay staff, as well as members of the Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay and Palmerston North Armed Offenders Squads,” said Detective Senior Sergeant Varnia Allan.

A 42-year-old woman arrested initially was charged with three counts of possession for supply methamphetamine, possession for supply cannabis, and possession of utensils for methamphetamine.

She has been remanded in custody until July 10.

“In addition, a 38-year-old man was arrested and charged with two counts of injuring with intent to commit grievous bodily harm, possession of utensils for methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, and wilful damage,” Det Snr Sgt Allan said.

The man has been remanded in custody until July 17.

A 40-year-old man was also arrested and charged with possession of cannabis and possession of an offensive weapon, and is due to appear in Wairoa District Court on July 28.

“A 42-year-old man was summonsed to appear in court for possession of cannabis.”

“The successful operation was the result of Operation Kōtare investigations over the past couple of months, targeting methamphetamine dealing among gang members in Wairoa,” Det Snr Sgt Allan said.

“Inquiries are continuing, to establish any further criminal offending by those already arrested and others involved in organised crime in the area.”

Eastern District Police would continue to hold gang members to account for their harmful actions in our communities, she said.

“We are committed to reducing gang harm through strong enforcement tactics and prevention programmes with our partners.”

The Operation Kōtare team also ran a prevention operation that involved local Wairoa and Gisborne community policing and Māori, Pacific and ethnic services staff.

“The result was some very positive engagement and subsequent feedback from the general community and community leadership.”