Four gang members have been arrested in Gisborne/Tūranganui a Kiwa following an "extensive investigation" into a series of recent crimes.
Detective Sergeant Eric Hunter said police have "dealt a blow" to the Mongrel Mob and the Mangu Kaha gangs in the city, with three of the four being senior patched members of the Mongrel Mob and one from the latter.
Two of those arrested, aged 29 and 48, allegedly assaulted and carried out an aggravated robbery of a rival gang member on May 11, stealing his car.
Police are still hunting for a firearm and knives allegedly used by the pair during the attack.
"A 29-year-old Gisborne man was taken into custody on May 15, 2024 and charged with aggravated robbery," said Det Sgt Hunter.
He's set to appear at the Gisborne District Court again on June 5.
Further enquiries then led officers to arrest the second man, 48, on Thursday.
He was charged with aggravated robbery, "failing to carry out obligations in relation to a computer search" and driving while disqualified on Friday.
His next court appearance is set for June 10.
Police haven't ruled out further arrests over the aggravated robbery.
The third man, 55, was arrested on May 13 in relation to "serious drug offending" and was charged with methamphetamine possession for supply, plus supplying methamphetamine.
He's next due to appear in court on June 10.
The fourth man, 26, was arrested on May 17 and charged the next day with threatening to kill, threatening grievous bodily harm, driving while disqualified and breaching release conditions.
He's due to appear in court again on June 10.
The four arrests come after detectives intercepted prison phone calls between the 55-year-old and fellow gang members.
One of the men has also been charged with allegedly attempting to coerce or intimidate a victim and witnesses.
Police also laid a charge of attempting to defeat justice, relating to a separate case from late last year when other Mongrel Mob members attacked an associate.
"We hope this provides some comfort to victims and the community," said Hunter.
"Police have put a significant effort into executing these arrests and the gangs will be feeling the effects of losing some of their top people."
Several "committed investigators" have been working on the case.
"These arrests will hopefully remind gangs and criminal elements that we will continue to investigate them and that their illegal activity isn’t welcome in our community," said Hunter.
"Above all, we want to thank those people who have assisted our enquiries and helped us make our community safer."
