‘Armed, dangerous’ gang associate arrested in raid
We are committed
to ensuring our communities and
wha¯ nau are kept safe from drugs and violent behaviour. Detective Sergeant Tim Sterne,
Christchurch CIB
A nationwide police gangs crackdown has arrested an “armed, dangerous” Killer Beez associate in Christchurch after he was allegedly caught with a loaded sawn-off shotgun.
As part of Operation Cobalt, police arrested a 38-year-old man associated with the Killer Beez gang at a house in Earnslaw Cres, Bryndwr.
A loaded sawn-off shotgun was found at the property, along with “a significant amount of shotgun ammunition and cannabis”.
The man appeared in Christchurch District Court yesterday morning on charges of unlawful possession of a shotgun and shotgun ammunition, as well as possession of cannabis plant for the purpose of supplying.
He was remanded in custody without plea and is due back in court next month.
Police continue to step-up enforcement and disruption of unlawful gang activity across the country as part of Operation Cobalt.
“We are committed to ensuring our communities and wha¯nau are kept safe from drugs and violent behaviour,” said Detective Sergeant Tim Sterne of Christchurch CIB.
“This arrest ensures that an armed, dangerous individual with gang links can no longer pose a risk to those around him.”
Detective Inspector Scott Anderson said the police message to offenders is clear: “We have zero tolerance for any gang-related violence and drug offending”.
He added: “Police and partner agencies are working hard to ensure we keep our communities safe, and we will continue to actively target those involved in criminal activity. We need the local communities to help us address unlawful behaviour in our region.”