Ten people with known gang links have been arrested for offences as serious as attempted murder, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and firearms offences, following a major Southland Police operation targeting organised crime.

Police said Operation Pakari began last year following a number of serious offences believed to be linked to the Mongrel Mob in Southland, and in particular the Mataura Chapter.

These included a drive-by shooting in Centre Street, Invercargill in January 2022; incidents in February and in April last year where people were dropped off at Gore Hospital seriously injured; and a drive-by shooting in Elizabeth Street, Invercargill last June.

Police had by midday today (14 Jun) executed 12 search warrants at addresses in Mataura, Gore, Dunedin, and Hamilton, and arrested 11 males aged between 16 and 43 with links to the Mongrel Mob.

Three arrests for the Southland-based offending had also been made in Auckland, they said.

Police said those arrested were due to appear in Invercargill District Court today (14 Jun) and in the coming days.

Further arrests could not be ruled out, they said.

Operation Pakari involved months of investigative work by Invercargill Police and was part of the nationwide Operation Cobalt, which focuses on the harm caused by gang offending in communities.

Southland Area Commander Inspector Mike Bowman said the operation has been about protecting the community and ensuring Invercargill, Gore and Mataura continue to be safe places to live.

“The investigative team has worked tirelessly to achieve the results we see here today, and the outcome is the result of all of their hard work and dedication.”

Police is committed to disrupting organised crime groups and the significant harm they cause our families and our communities, Bowman said.

“These groups are not welcome here; we see the harm they inflict through organised criminal activity and we will target the people who seek to profit from that harm."

“We will continue to target and suppress unlawful gang behaviour in order to protect and enhance the safety of our community and staff."

“It is our priority to ensure everyone in our communities feels safe and is safe.”

Southland Police said in a statement that following the warrants and arrests executed this week, they had had dedicated teams alongside social agencies heading into the homes of affected families to offer immediate support to those who in many cases suddenly find themselves struggling.

“It’s one thing to arrest a parent, it’s another to leave another caregiver struggling to support the family,” Bowman said.

“While we are focused on holding people to account for what is serious violent offending, Police’s role is also to be victim-focused and help preventing further harm from occurring.”

Police are doing this by ensuring that households affected by this offending receive the appropriate support they need.

“This could be as simple as budgeting advice, or more significant interventions such as child welfare agencies being involved,” Bowman said.

Police also encourage anyone with information about illegal activity taking place in their community to contact 105, or Crime Stoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.

If there is immediate risk to life or property, call 111.