12 September 2023, 2:06 AM
Gore Police have charged seven people and seized firearms, stolen property and cannabis after executing 19 search warrants as part of an effort to target and disrupt offending involving firearms.
Three firearms, cannabis plants from two of the properties and over $8000 worth of stolen property have been seized.
The seven people, aged 30, 31, 34, 36, 37, 38 and 44, face 37 charges relating to unlawful possession and supply of firearms and ammunition, receiving stolen property, and possession supply of methamphetamine and cannabis.
They are due to reappear in the Gore District Court over various dates in the coming months.
Two other people have been directed to alternative resolution processes.
Southland Area Commander Inspector Mike Bowman said the operation targeted a number of individuals identified as being allegedly unlawfully possessing and supplying firearms in the Eastern Southland area following a number of incidents involving firearms that occurred in the area earlier this year.
Police are continuing to investigate this offending and cannot rule out further arrests.
These arrests and charges should send a message to those members of the community engaging in this kind of offending, that Police will be knocking on their door any time, Bowman said.
Police are dedicated investigating and holding people to account for the harm they cause in the community.
NEWS