Armed police have raided the Head Hunters North Shore gang pad in the Auckland suburb of Wairau Park.
The Herald understands police, including members of the Armed Offenders Squad (AOS), raided the newly minted quarters of the North Shore chapter overnight.
A Herald reporter on the scene said officers were blocking all entrances near the base, preventing anyone from getting in and out. All officers are wearing large vests.
Neighbours said they heard loud bangs as the armed police used flash-bang grenades to raid the industrial unit overnight on Target Rd. The unit was only bought last year on behalf of the new chapter.
It adjoins an engraving business which is unrelated to the gang. Other neighbours include a marine business and a panel beaters.
Police have not released details of the raid and it’s unclear what was seized or if anyone was arrested.
It’s understood senior members of the chapter are believed to be overseas while other members are on remand.
Police launched a drone above the pad early on Wednesday morning as a Detective Senior Sergeant arrived at the scene. No gang members have been seen in or around the property.
The gang opened the pad for the new North Shore chapter last year, soon after the chapter was officially formed.
The Herald understands the purchase price for the location was in the order of $700,000 and there is no evidence a mortgage was taken out on the leasehold property.
More to come