Police arrest drug dealer tied to shootings

Photo / File

An alleged drug dealer believed to be connected to four shootings has been arrested this morning after a raid by armed police.

The 29-year old man unemployed Manurewa man was targeted after police investigations over the past six weeks into four firearms incidents in various parts of Auckland between November 13 and December 19.

Shots were fired in all four incidents and three men were injured and required hospital treatment as a result.

Detective Senior Sergeant John Sutton of Avondale CIB says the arrest came during simultaneous raids on two Manurewa properties by the Armed Offender's Squad this morning.

No firearms were recovered but investigations into activities of associates of the properties are continuing and further arrests are possible.

"Our investigations this far lead us to conclude that the shooting incidents were not random acts of violence against strangers,'' Mr Sutton says.

"Rather, they appear to have been planned and those involved - either as victims or the alleged offender - are most likely participants in the illicit drug business.''

Shootings occurred at Hayr Rd on November 13 and 27, at a Mt Albert address on December 8 and in Seymour St, St Mary's Bay, on December 19.

The 29-year-old will appear at Auckland District Court today charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and commission of a crime while in possession of a firearm in relation to the December 8 incident, during which a man was allegedly shot in the foot.