Operation Dusk: Hawke's Bay police arrest six and seize $2M in assets
Police have seized about $2 million in assets and arrested six people following an operation into organised crime in Hawke’s Bay.
The National Organised Crime Group and Eastern District Police executed multiple search warrants across Hawke's Bay over the past three days as part of Operation Dusk - an 18-month investigation targeting senior members of the Mongrel Mob across Hawke’s Bay.
Eastern District Police Detective Inspector Rob Jones said additional search warrants executed over the past three days have targeted other organised crime groups including members of the Black Power and Outlaws MC gangs.
As a result of the operation, five residential addresses have also been restrained pursuant to the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009, and fifteen motor vehicles including a 2020 Range Rover & high-end classic cars, two trucks, four Harley Davidson motorbikes, a dirt bike, jewellery, a boat, two jet skis, trailers and a digger have been restrained.
Additionally, 14 firearms including military-style semi-automatic weapons and pistols, ammunition, illicit drugs including methamphetamine, cannabis and synthetics and large quantities of cash were recovered.
Detective Inspector Jones says two businesses are also being assessed for their links to organised crime.
To date, Police have arrested six individuals - three men and three women - of a range of ages. National Organised Crime Group detective inspector Darryl Sweeney said they are facing serious drugs and firearms charges and will be appearing in court in due course.
The Hawke's Bay Police Community Teams continue to liaise with communities affected by gang activity, providing reassurance and support.
"Police are absolutely committed to disrupting, deterring, and dismantling organised crime networks throughout regions including Hawke’s Bay and those that support these criminal business entities," he said.
"This should serve as a clear message that the National Organised Crime Group will continue to work across New Zealand to hold gang members to account. As the operation is ongoing, Police are not ruling out further arrests, restraints or charges."
