Manawatū police are ramping up their efforts to crack down on anti-social gang and violent behaviour, using new legislation to disrupt activity.
On Tuesday, police arrested three men with gang links for possession of firearms and ammunition.
A vehicle was stopped at about 3:20am in Feilding. Manawatū area commander Inspector Ross Grantham said the three men will appear before the Palmerston North District Court "facing a variety of charges".
Insp Grantham said police have invoked the use of the Criminal Activity Intervention Legislation Act 2023 in the Manawatū area.
"Providing police with search warrant powers to search vehicles and occupants of vehicles of suspected gang members and to seize their weapons during times of conflict."
Insp Grantham said the new powers became law in April, and while they'll mainly be focused on gangs, they will be used "prudently".
He said extra staff have been brought into the region and are providing "high-visibility" reassurance patrols to the Palmerston North community, following a fatal gang-related shooting on Sunday.
"Our community can expect to see Police continuing to respond to any unlawful behaviour by anyone who believes that they are above the law."
Insp Grantham said police are sending a "clear message" to all gangs and the wider community that "Police do not tolerate unlawful behaviour and will work hard to hold people to account".
Insp Grantham said people can report any incident where they feel unsafe by calling 111 if it's happening immediately.
If it's happened in the past, contact 105.
