A dawn raid involving 40 officers including the Armed Offenders Squad has led to the arrest of four suspected gang members in Nelson.
Search warrants were issued for three properties in Nelson and Richmond about 4.30am today, following a home invasion in Richmond on Monday.
The men have been charged with offences including aggravated robbery and kidnapping.
Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Johnston said police believe all four are gang members and that the incident was drug-related. He said the local community should be reassured.
"Organised gangs are nothing new to Nelson - this is just the most recent event of this type that's happened here.
"Local police and police right around the country won't tolerate this sort of behaviour from people associated with gangs or other criminal groups. Organised crime have always been and always will be a focus for police."
Mr Johnston says the men were to appear in court this afternoon.
