Month-long operation ends in 18 arrests

A police operation sparked by six shootings across Auckland has come to an end with the arrest of 18 people.

The shootings happened between November 2012 and June 2013.

One was on Hayr Rd, Three Kings, on November 13.

The victim John Glozier was shot in the leg and a BMW was stolen from the scene.

A Mt Albert man was shot in the foot on December 8.

None of the six shootings were fatal.

The incidents are believed to be drug related and those arrested are either members or associates of the Black Power gang.

Counties Manukau Police field crime manager Detective Inspector Mark Gutry says the victims had provided ‘‘limited co-operation’’ to police.

A Manurewa man who appeared in court in December to face charges in relation to the December 8 incident was linked to the earlier shooting in Three Kings and another in St Marys Bay by police at the time.

Mr Gutry says one person will be facing charges in relation to three shootings in the city, but he can’t confirm where these happened.

Five people were already in custody before police carried out search warrants at 15 properties across Auckland on Wednesday morning to look for firearms and drugs.

The raids brought to an end a lengthy police investigation named Operation Maggie.

Charges against those arrested include participating in an organised criminal group, drug dealing, aggravated robbery, burglary, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and manufacturing methamphetamine.

Nine people were to appear in the Manukau District Court on Wednesday.

‘‘This type of offending is responsible for considerable harm to the community. We’ll continue to target organised crime, gangs, and drugs,’’ Mr Gutry says.