Police arrest Mongrel Mob members for alleged firearms offence in Wairoa

Two Mongrel Mob members have been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm after an incident in Wairoa on Thursday afternoon. Photo / Bevan Conley

Two Mongrel Mob members have been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm after an incident in Wairoa.

Inspector Danny Kirk, area commander for Tairāwhiti, said detectives were conducting inquiries at an address on Black St, about midday on Thursday.

The address was subjected to an arson attack last week.

While there, they were alerted to a vehicle of interest.

“That same vehicle, then cut in front of a separate patrol unit that was in the area and then failed to stop for police when signalled to do so,” he said.

“Police followed the vehicle and saw it pull into an address on Jellicoe St, and all occupants of the vehicle fled on foot.”

Police found a loaded rifle near the car and put cordons in place.

“Gisborne Armed Offenders Squad, a police dog unit and other officers quickly attended, and four men were located and arrested,” he said.

“All the men were patched members or prospects of the Mongrel Mob.”

A 24-year-old man was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and failing to stop for police. A 19-year-old man was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.

Both were due to appear in Gisborne District Court today.

“We are now awaiting forensic testing, and further charges are likely,” Kirk said.

“This was a case of exceptional work by police staff.”