Police have made two arrests in relation to an alleged aggravated robbery that occurred in Queens Park, Mataura on March 5th. Southland Police executed three pre-planned search warrants in Mataura, with two on Albion Street and one on Forth Street. The Armed Offenders Squad was utilized to execute the warrants as a precaution, and cordons were put in place.
Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Baird stated that two firearms, ammunition, cannabis, and alleged stolen property were recovered during the search. A 39-year-old Mataura male is due to appear in Invercargill District Court on Friday on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition, and cultivation of cannabis. Meanwhile, a 16-year-old male has been referred to Youth Aid in relation to possession of a firearm.
The police are continuing their enquiries into the robbery and other matters arising from the search warrants, and further arrests are likely. Detective Senior Sergeant Baird has assured members of the local community and the public that police will continue to show zero tolerance towards alleged offending by gang members and associates, and that offenders will be held accountable for their actions.