Raids net guns and drugs at city properties

The Rebels Motorcycle Club has set up a temporary base at a Christchurch home after it was forced out of its old warehouse headquarters last month.

Police raided a property in Aranui on Wednesday and found furnishings from the old gang pad crammed into a bedroom.

They also seized a cut-down shotgun and a .22 rifle. Two members of the Rebels were at the property.

A 22-year-old man was charged with possession of drug utensils and unlawful possession of firearms.

In a separate raid on the same day, police found a sophisticated indoor cannabis growing oper- ation at a property in Fitzgerald Ave.

A 56-year-old man was charged in relation to the cultivation of cannabis and possession of a restricted weapon.

In March, police set up a task force to target gangs and highprofile criminals in Canterbury.

The group has raided 175 properties, recovered 87 illegal guns and restrained more than $5 million worth of assets.

‘‘Increasingly we are discovering firearms and other weapons at these addresses and that is extremely concerning,’’ Canterbury district prevention manager Inspector Corrie Parnell said.

‘‘We will be relentless in our hard line on any organised criminal group.’’

Last month, the Rebels abandoned its headquarters in Vagues Rd, Harewood, where it previously hosted a national gathering of members.

At the time, police said the gang’s departure was the result of ‘‘our interventions’’.