Gang members using firearms in standover tactics targeting drugs have prompted armed police to raid two Northland gang pads.
Up to 25 police, including members of the Armed Offenders Squad (AOS), raided two gang houses in Kaitaia around dawn on Thursday, targeting members of the Tribesmen motorcycle gang, Far North Police Area Commander, Inspector Wendy Robilliard, said. The people targeted in the search warrants were serious violent offenders, she said.
Some had been using standover tactics involving firearms for drugs, and such a use of guns meant the AOS was involved in the raids, she said.
The standovers were not part of any wider rival gang tensions, but Ms Robilliard said Thursday's raids were carried out to disrupt the gang and prevent any gang activity escalating.
Ms Robilliard said police and the Kaitaia community would not tolerate the criminal activities of these gangs, so gang members could expect police to keep knocking on their doors to put a stop to their offending.