Raids on Mongrel Mob end in courtroom

A long police surveillance operation of the Mongrel Mob has resulted in a huge trial in the High Court at Christchurch.

Operation Crusade targeted the gang over 15 months, including taps on the mob's phones and undercover police buying drugs. The operation culminated in co-ordinated raids resulting in nearly 40 arrests.

Mob president Joseph Wiringi and 16 others appeared in court yesterday on more than 70 charges, including dealing in methamphetamine and magic mushrooms and possessing firearms. The trial will last a month.