In 2022 it was reported there were more than 1200 gang members in the Eastern Police District, and the Mongrel Mob were the largest gang across the country. Photo / Supplied
A senior Mongrel Mob member is facing drug charges after police raided two properties in the Wairoa area yesterday due to “gang tensions”.
The 37-year-old man arrested has been charged with possession of a class C controlled drug for supply.
He is scheduled to appear in the Gisborne District Court today.
Tairāwhiti Area Commander Inspector Danny Kirk said the search warrants were executed in the Wairoa township and in Raupunga
He said that while the search warrants were related to the recent gang tensions, they were not carried out as part of the Gang Conflict Warrant.
Police found “evidence consistent with drug dealing”, including drugs and cash.
An air rifle and air pistol were seized.
“Gang members in the Wairoa area need to start caring about their community and the children and other innocent people who are put at risk by their violent altercations,” Kirk said.
“Police will continue to work hard on behalf of those members of the community who don’t want this violence in their town, to take a hard line against those whose values don’t align with everyone else’s.”
The group gave away $3000 in gift cards, sponsor T-shirts, and $1000 cash.