A Wairarapa drug bust has led to the arrest of two patched gang members and the seizure of ammunition, LSD, and a “significant amount of cash”.
Police said the haul came from a search warrant executed at a residential address on Thursday night.
The Armed Offenders Squad, alongside Wairarapa and Wellington police, descended on the property, seizing LSD, cannabis, a rifle bolt, rounds of ammunition, and a significant amount of cash.
Two patched gang members were arrested and appeared in Masterton District Court yesterday.
Police said a 40-year-old patched Tribesman member was facing charges related to the supply of the class A drug LSD, while the 35-year-old patched Nomad member had an existing warrant for his arrest.
Wairarapa Area Commander Inspector Scott Miller said the bust was part of a wider national initiative targeting gangs known as Operation Cobalt.
“Wairarapa police will continue to send a clear message to gang members in our community.
“Unlawful behaviour will not be tolerated and will be met with an enforcement response.”
At the Wairarapa Police Pay Parade last week, Miller said increased police numbers would see the local force return to “good old-fashioned policing” targeting high-risk offenders and gangs.
“New Zealand police are now going to get tough on gangs again, which is great.
“We’re getting back to good old-fashioned original policing.”
The arrested men were remanded in custody to reappear in Masterton District Court next week.
