Operation Cobalt: Northland police arrest man believed to have ‘strong links’ to Mongrel Mob in Kerikeri

The arrested man is suspected to have ties to the Mongrel Mob. Photo / NZME

A Northland man believed to have close ties to the Mongrel Mob has been arrested and a range of vehicles seized as police continue to crack down on gangs.

Detective senior sergeant Kevan Verry, Northland CIB, said the 38-year-old man was arrested in Kerikeri by the Northland Organised Crime Unit as part of Operation Cobalt which targets illegal gang activity.

He will face fifteen charges of driving while disqualified and a charge relating to the use of a document when he appears in the Kaikohe District Court on January 11 next year.

Officers also impounded a Harley Davidson motorcycle, a Holden Commodore, a Mitsubishi station wagon and a late model Ford Ranger Utility in relation to the “serious offending”, Verry said.

“We are committed to making our communities safer from the influence and harm caused by gangs through their criminal activities and anti-social behaviour of our roads and the Operation Cobalt team are focused on those behaviours.”

Verry said the community can expect to see a police presence throughout the summer as they “continue to hold these offenders to account”.

“We welcome information from anyone who has concerns about organised crime, gang activity, or the illegal possession of firearms in their community.

“We rely on the eyes and ears of our community and whānau members who can help reduce the harm in our communities,” he said.

Information can be reported online at 105.police.govt.nz or by calling 105; and anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org

“If it is happening now, please call 111,” Verry said.