Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Police continue to target unlawful behaviour by members and associates of the Mongols Motorcycle Club under Operation Cobalt.
This month, Police have recovered several firearms, ammunition, and other gang paraphernalia in Remuera as part of enforcement action targeting the gang.
Detective Inspector Aaron Proctor says Police carried out a search on a vehicle of interest parked on Shore Road last week.
“Police spoke with the occupant and a search of the vehicle was carried out which located a MSSA style firearm along with ammunition.”
A 21-year-old man, who is a patched member of the Mongols, has been charged over the find.
He is now before the Auckland District Court on charges of unlawful possession of a restricted weapon and unlawful possession of ammunition.
Following further enquiries, Operation Cobalt subsequently terminated a search warrant at a nearby address on Shore Road with the assistance of the Armed Offenders Squad.
“Our enquiries have been focused on members and associates of the Mongols gang,” says Detective Inspector Proctor.
“At the Remuera property Police located a number of illegal items of interest which have now been seized.”
Police located an AR-15 firearm, a rifle, and a shotgun, along with various quantities of ammunition.
Gang paraphernalia from a variety of gangs was located at the property, including patches from the Mongols, Comancheros and Bandidos.
A 31-year-old man, who is an associate of the Mongols, has been charged with a raft of serious firearms charges.
Those charges include possession of a prohibited firearm, two counts of unlawfully possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of a restricted magazine.
Another man and a woman were also arrested at the address for unrelated matters and are also before the Court.
“This is a fantastic result for Police and the community we are trying to keep safe through our ongoing disruption being directed at the Mongols,” says Detective Inspector Proctor.
“Police are continuing to take an all-of-Police approach to disrupting unlawful behaviour being committed by gangs. This termination was the result of work by dedicated Operation Cobalt staff, being supported by other Police staff from other work groups across Tāmaki Makaurau.
“The public can expect Police will continue to hold gangs to account for offending we are identifying through our disruption and suppression activity under Operation Cobalt.”
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
Note for media: Two photos are attached to this release and are downloadable via the URL.
