Gang activity the heavy focus in police crackdown on drugs

Kaikohe police targeting drug dealers and those trading in stolen property have arrested nine gang members and associates over five weeks.

Police are vowing to keep up the tough line on gang members in a bid to make the Northland town a safer place.

Detective Sergeant Chris Fouhy said the arrests continue to highlight the involvement of gangs in criminal offending such as drug dealing, burglary and theft of motor vehicles in the region.

"Police will continue to pursue those who chose to be part of gangs and commit crime, those who deal drugs and those who steal or receive stolen property," Mr Fouhy said. "The message is simple from Kaikohe police: 'If you chose to deal, manufacture drugs or steal in our town you will face the consequences of your actions'."

Gang members were still very visible in Kaikohe with Tribesmen, Rebels, Black Power and the Mongrel Mob represented.

Mr Fouhy said gangs in Northland weren't afraid of working together for monetary gain and getting a foothold in the drug trade.

Following a lengthy police pursuit on Mangakahia Valley Rd earlier this month, which ended only when police laid out road spikes, three gang members, including a patched Nomad member, were arrested. During subsequent searches of addresses and a vehicle, police found thousands of dollars in cash, weapons, two stolen vehicles and a significant amount of what is suspected to be methamphetamine.

Police are thanking members of the public who have left information on the freephone number - 0800 crimestoppers - which has helped with some of the arrests, including a 52-year-old woman charged with possession of cannabis for supply.

If you have information about criminal offending including drug dealing in the Kaikohe area please contact the Kaikohe Police Station on (09) 405 2960 or if you wish to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.