Three Mongrel Mob members were arrested in Mataura on Friday, following the execution of a search warrant at the gang’s headquarters in Albion Street.
The search warrant was undertaken by Southland Police and Southern District’s Organised Crime Group, following a serious gang-related assault earlier this week.
Two men, aged 33 and 36, have jointly been charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm. They appeared in Invercargill District Court on Saturday.
The third man, a 30-year-old, was charged with assault with intent to injure.
He is scheduled to appear in Invercargill District Court on 18 August.
“Police have absolutely no tolerance for this type of offending in our communities,” says Detective Inspector Stu Harvey.
“As part of Operation Cobalt, we will continue to have a significant focus on targeting and disrupting this unlawful gang activity in Southland.”
“We welcome information from anyone who has concerns about gang activity or the illegal possession of firearms in their community, and encourage people to get in touch with us.”
You can report online at 105.police.govt.nz or call 105.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or at www.crimestoppers-nz.org.