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Operation Kale: Sale of drugs leads to arrests and firearm seizures

Operation Kale: Sale of drugs leads to arrests and firearm seizures

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to: Tactical Operations Manager Inspector Craig Scott

Guns, ammunition, drugs and cash have been seized, and three King Cobra gang members have been arrested following a search at a Northcote, Christchurch property.

The search conducted on Monday by the Gang Disruption Unit followed an extensive investigation into the sale of cannabis. The result represented a significant disruption to a gang-linked cannabis supply chain. 

The search resulted in the seizure of nine firearms, including pump-action and semi-automatic shotguns and a suppressed, scoped semi-automatic rifle. 

More than a kilogram of cannabis and $15,000 in cash was also seized.

Three men aged 20, 20 and 22 from Kaiapoi and Northcote will reappear in Christchurch District Court facing charges including possession for supply, unlawful possession of a firearm and driving while disqualified. They will appear on 1,15 and 23 October. 

Two have been remanded in custody.

This was a strong example of information obtained through a local investigation progressing into a targeted gang-disruption operation, resulting in the removal of firearms, drugs and suspected criminal proceeds from the community.

Firearms and drugs cause significant harm, and this shows when the community and Police collaborate, we can make our communities safer together.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/30/operation-kale-sale-of-drugs-leads-to-arrests-and-firearm-seizures/