Police say they have “dealt a blow to Gisborne gangs” as four of the region’s “top” gang members have been arrested following several investigations into serious offending.
Detective Sergeant Eric Hunter said three senior patched members of the Mongrel Mob and one patched member of the Mangu Kaha gang were arrested and charged.
“Two arrests relate to the aggravated robbery of a rival gang member which occurred on May 11.”
The victim was assaulted and had his vehicle stolen, and Hunter said inquiries are ongoing to locate a firearm and knives used by the alleged offenders.
A 29-year-old Gisborne man was taken into custody on May 15 and charged with aggravated robbery.
He appeared at the Gisborne District Court on April 16 where he was remanded in custody until his next appearance on June 5.
Hunter said inquiries led to the arrest of a 48-year-old Gisborne man yesterday.
“He now faces charges of aggravated robbery, failing to carry out obligations in relation to a computer search and driving while disqualified.”
The Mongrel Mob member appeared in the Gisborne District Court today and was remanded in custody to appear again on June 10.
“The investigation into the aggravated robbery is ongoing and police cannot rule out further arrests,” Hunter said.
An extensive investigation into serious drug offending led to the arrest of a 55-year-old Gisborne man on May 13.
He was charged with possession of a Class A drug for supply and supplying a Class A controlled drug. Both charges relate to methamphetamine.
Police intercepted prison phone calls between the man and fellow Mongrel Mob members during the investigation, leading them to lay a charge of attempting to defeat justice.
“This was with regard to a separate case involving other Mongrel Mob gang members attacking an associate in late 2023,” Hunter said.
The 55-year-old appeared in Gisborne District Court on May 14, was remanded in custody and will reappear on June 10.
A fourth arrest was made on May 17 when a 26-year-old Manga Kahu gang member was charged with threatening to kill, threatening to do grievous bodily harm, driving while disqualified and breach of release conditions.
He appeared in court on May 18 and was remanded in custody until his next appearance on June 10.
Hunter said the gangs will be feeling the effects of losing some of their top people.
“These arrests will hopefully remind gangs and criminal elements that we will continue to investigate them and that their illegal activity isn’t welcome in our community.”
He thanked “committed investigators” and those who assisted police in its inquiries.