A Wairarapa police bust has led to multiple seizures and arrests.
The Armed Offenders Squad and Wairarapa police seized guns, drugs, and cash after executing four search warrants in the region over the past two days.
Police said the raids resulted in the arrest of two men and a woman, and six others were warned for drug offending.
In addition to the warrants, police carried out two checkpoints in the area, impounding five vehicles,
and seizing cash for unpaid fines.
Police said several infringement notices were also issued.
A 30-year-old man is facing charges of unlawful possession relating to ammunition and two guns, and a charge of possessing
methamphetamine.
A 20-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman are respectively facing charges of cannabis possession and breaching bail.
Police said two people have already appeared in Masterton District Court, with the third person expected to appear next week.
Detective Corey Reid said he hoped the arrests would send a strong message to gang members and their associates, “that they would be held accountable for the harm they did to the community”.
“This latest operation was a part of the proactive action being taken with Operation Cobalt, targeting illegal activity by gang members and their associates.
“Our message to gang members who want to continue to victimise our communities with drugs, violence, and firearms, is that we will be targeting you.”
He said the community could expect to see a “highly visible” police presence in the lead-up to Christmas.
A police spokesperson confirmed police executed a search warrant on Makoura Rd in Masterton yesterday.
