Police have arrested eight people today in a crackdown on drugs aimed at Mongrel Mob gang members and associates in Dunedin.
The arrests are mainly for alleged cannabis offences and follow a six-month investigation led by Dunedin's Organised Crime Squad.
Seven people were arrested at Dunedin addresses and one at a Gisborne address. Police also executed nine search warrants in Dunedin and Oamaru.
"All those arrested are members or associates of Mongrel Mob Aotearoa. Cannabis was also located at a number of addresses during the course of the search warrants," a police spokesman said.
The investigation targeted key members of the gang's hierarchy in Dunedin and Mataura, police said.
Those arrested face a variety of criminal charges, including participation in an organised criminal enterprise, conspiracy to supply cannabis, possession for supply of cannabis and over 50 charges of selling cannabis.
They were due to appear in court in Dunedin and Gisborne today.
Property - including a caravan and three motorcycles - was seized as being linked to "the organised crime enterprise".
"Targeting members of organised crime groups and drug dealing offending is a high priority for Southern District Police and we will continue to pay attention to those who grow, manufacture and deal in illicit drugs," said District Crime Services Manager, Detective Inspector Steve McGregor.
"In Dunedin, Mongrel Mob Aotearoa has a history of involvement in the illegal distribution of controlled drugs. Today's arrests are a step forward in reducing the presence of illegal drugs in our community, and decreasing the violence and intimidation that often sits alongside," he said.
- ODT Online
