Police warn public not to approach wanted gang member

Tauranga police are hunting a patched gang member wanted in connection with drugs and firearms-related offences.

They have described Raymond Whare, 43, a member of the Mongrel Mob's Te Puke chapter, as dangerous and say he should not be approached.

Whare was stopped in a car in Tauranga early on July 19 after a report of erratic driving.

The vehicle was allegedly carrying a methamphetamine laboratory, $40,000 and a "significant quantity" of class A drugs, believed to be methamphetamine and LSD.

When officers pulled up the car, they spoke to Whare but he was released without charge while they focused on another occupant, believed to be on an arrest warrant for breaching his parole.

The suspect ran away but was arrested soon after and charged with possession of a 9mm pistol as well as the parole breach.

Epi Ronaki, 34, Te Puke, re-appeared in Tauranga District Court today to face 10 further drugs and firearms charges relating to last month's incident.

His lawyer, Paul Mabey, QC, successfully requested all matters be held over to be heard together on August 21.

Judge Ian Thomas remanded Ronaki until then, in custody by consent and without plea.

Meanwhile, Tauranga police have appealed for any sightings of Whare to be reported to them. After further inquiries, they issued a warrant for his arrest for unlawful possession of a pistol and want to talk to him about other serious matters.

Anyone who knows of Whare's whereabouts can contact police on 0800 SPEAK UP.

- NZPA