Police search for 'dangerous' gang member

Lester Mark Pairama. Photo / NZ Police

Police are searching for a gang member with three warrants to arrest who is deemed dangerous.

Detective Senior Sergeant Carl Moon said Lester Mark Pairama of Taupiri was wanted on aggravated robbery and kidnapping charges and should not be approached.

Pairama breached court release conditions and has an extensive criminal history involving drug and violent offending, police said.

"Pairama is currently wanted on breach of court release conditions, aggravated robbery and kidnapping charges and is linked to alleged offending in Kihikihi on August 24 which resulted in another offender threatening Police officers with a firearm and dropping a home made bomb," Mr Moon said.

Police had searched the Armed Offenders Squad searched a property in the Lower Kaimai Ranges linked to Pairama on Monday afternoon.

"This search failed to locate PAIRAMA and we believe he was linked to a car acting suspiciously on a rural property between Waihi and Whangamata yesterday."

Described as a male Maori 178cm tall of medium to solid build, Pairama is a patched member of the Mongrel Mob and is known to have connections throughout the Waikato, Thames Coromandel and Bay of Plenty areas.

Anyone with information on Pairama's whereabouts is asked to contact Mr Moon at the Hamilton Central Police Station on 07 858 6200.

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with the independent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.