Police respond to a report of a suspected gunshot on Johnstones Rd in Ōtara. Video / Dean Purcell
A man is appearing in court after a raid on a South Auckland property uncovered explosives, firearms, and ammunition.
Counties Manukau CIB team investigating the spate of shootings in Ōtara two weeks ago made the arrest, who is a person of interest to the inquiry, yesterday afternoon.
A 24-year-old man is expected to appear in the Manukau District Court today charged with discharging a firearm with reckless disregard for the safety of others, unlawful possession of prohibited weapons, ammunition and explosives.
Court documents show the man was accused of having an arsenal including an AK-47, a semi-automatic Soviet-era SKS rifle, and an M4 semi-automatic.
The 24-year old was also charged with possessing power gel explosive and detonator cord.
He was accused of possessing "a large quantity" of .223, .762 and shotgun ammunition.
And police also alleged he unlawfully had 71 shotgun cartridges and four .22 calibre cartridges.
For an alleged drive-by shooting, police charged the man with attempting to cause grievous bodily harm by indiscriminately firing a gun at an occupied house.
Police claim the 24-year-old was acting with other, unknown people at the time.
Detective Inspector Chris Barry said police would like to reassure the public that there was zero tolerance for gun violence in our community and that further arrests are anticipated.
Police continued to maintain a high level of presence in Ōtara.
A man is appearing in court after a raid on a South Auckland property uncovered these firearms after a spate of shootings in Ōtara. Photo/ Brett Phibbs, supplied
Police said they were grateful for the assistance provided by the community to date and encouraged anyone with information regarding the shootings or other gang related activity to contact them on 105 and quote file number 201121/6920 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
South Auckland was left on edge last month after five gang-related shootings in two days.
Police confirmed the shootings that began with three firearms incidents on November 20, were linked and involve an organised crime group.
Over the weekend two more shootings took place in Ōtara.
It led to an increased police presence in the suburb over the weekend with officers in the streets carrying firearms.
Police arrested an 18 year-old man and charged him with unlawful possession of ammunition.
Last week a police spokesman said there was a dedicated team investigating the offending and were following positive lines of inquiry to hold those responsible for the shootings to account.
