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Police Crack Down On Gang-Related Violence In Ōpōtiki

Police are stepping up an operation to suppress gang-related violence in Ōpōtiki.


It follows a number of reports in the last week of shots being fired at cars and houses around Ōpōtiki.


"Offenders for this event were arrested last week." says Senior Sergeant Tristan Murray, Acting Area Commander Eastern Bay of Plenty.


On Saturday, Police were called after a 20-year-old woman arrived at the Ōpōtiki Ambulance Station with a gunshot wound.


"The woman advised Police that she had been injured when her car was shot at. She was transported to Whakatāne Hospital in a serious condition,"


"Enquiries into the incident are ongoing, however it does appear to be linked to ongoing conflict and tension between Black Power and Mongrel Mob in Ōpōtiki," Murray says.


Police were yesterday issued (by the Courts) a warrant under the Criminal Activity Intervention Legislation (CAIL) Act 2023. The CAIL Act enables Police to apply for special search powers during times of gang conflict. The CAIL warrant issued to Ōpōtiki and Whakatāne Police gives officers the ability to search vehicles and places of suspected gang members, and occupants of those vehicles; and to seize firearms, weapons and vehicles.


"Police will continue to take all necessary measures to stamp out this behaviour and hold offenders to account and will be maintaining a highly visible presence across Ōpōtiki and Whakatāne," Murray says.


Police encourage people to share information on anyone illegally possessing firearms and weapons anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.


That information will be acted upon immediately by our Police in the community.



Public Interest Journalism funded through New Zealand On Air.

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