Police seize Mongrel Mob property

File photo / NZ Herald

Police seized Mongrel Mob premises in suburban Dunedin this morning as part of a six-month long investigation into the gang's activities.

Armed Offender Squad (AOS) members and detectives arrived at 250 Middleton Rd in Corstophine around 7.30am, executing warrants for illegal drugs and property.

Police gained entrance with no resistance. They located two air rifles, a imitation pistol and a "dangerously modified" baseball bat.

One gang member was arrested.

The premises was seized for the Crown, bringing an investigation into organised criminal activity in Dunedin to a close, Detective Inspector Steve McGregor said.

He hoped the seizure will help make Corstorphine a safer place.

"The presence of the gang premises in Middleton Road has contributed to a climate of fear in the local community - no doubt a factor in the publicity recently given to the significantly reduced roll at Corstorphine School.

"Targeting organised crime and drugs is a high priority for southern district police and we will continue to pay attention to those who grow, manufacture and deal in illicit drugs, whoever they are."

The seizure follows the arrests of 11 Mongrel Mob members and associations on Wednesday and a further seven on Thursday -- all on charges relating to illegal dug activity.

One man appeared in court in Gisborne on Wednesday, and another in Dunedin District Court yesterday. Other associates are expected to appear in court over the next two weeks.

Mr McGregor said electronic-based surveillance was used during the operation, which was named Rocket, but declined to elaborate.

Late last year, new cyber-monitoring measures were introduced giving police the power to monitor all mobile calls and texts, email, internet surfing and online shopping, chatting and social networking.

- NZPA