Police say a sweep across Hawke’s Bay and Wairoa last week netted 17 firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, more than $30,000 in cash, about four kilograms of cannabis and 15 grams of methamphetamine.

Nine people have appeared in court and further arrests are likely following the operation, run under the banner of Operation Tar and led by the Gang Disruption Unit with support from Eastern District investigations teams and the National Organised Crime Group.

Detective Inspector James Keene said the focus was split between enforcement and prevention. “This was a coordinated, intelligence-led operation with community safety and wellbeing at its core. Our aim is not only to disrupt organised criminal activity, but to reduce the harm it causes to whānau and communities.”

Alongside search warrants and seizures, Police stood up a hub in Hawke’s Bay to identify and engage with people affected by offending. The work was done through ROCC — Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities — a Police‑led, multi‑agency approach used in other parts of the country. Police say 96% of whānau engaged by the ROCC team chose to take up support.

Other activity included serving seven DNA compulsion orders, a drug-testing morning for people on bail, and enforcement action targeting those Wanted to Arrest.

“Disrupting gangs and reducing the availability of drugs and firearms remains a priority for Eastern District Police,” Detective Inspector Keene said. Police say nine people have been arrested and face charges including drug dealing and firearms offences, with more arrests expected.