Five men are facing a raft of firearms and drug charges after police executed search warrants in Kaingaroa

 

A number of firearms and a large amount of ammunition were located, along with small amounts of drugs and related chemicals.

Rotorua Area Commander, Inspector Bruce Horne says Wednesday’s operation was in response to concerns from local residents about drug offending in their community.

He says Police have already received positive feedback from the community about the operation.

“It’s very apparent to us this community has had enough of organised drug activity in their neighbourhoods and the impact it’s been having on their families and they are standing up and doing something about it.

“The harmful consequences of drugs are wide-reaching and go far beyond the individual user, often translating into other areas of crime such as burglary, serious violence and intimidation.”

Bruce says the discovery of a number of firearms during this operation is a concern.  

“The presence of firearms in these situations poses a significant safety risk to both Police and the community, particularly when the people in possession of those weapons are associated with organised crime and the manufacture and distribution of drugs.”
He says among the weapons seized were a high powered semi-automatic rifle and pump action shotgun.

Four of the five men arrested have been released on bail and are due to appear in the Rotorua District Court on Monday.

One of the men was remanded in custody and was to appearred in the Rotorua District Court on Wednesday