4 Nov 2022

Four gang members arrested in relation to Te Kuiti kidnapping

4:36 pm on 4 November 2022

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Police have arrested four gang members in relation to an aggravated robbery and kidnapping in Te Kuiti last month.

In a statement, police said Te Awamutu police have arrested four Mongrel Mob members in relation to an aggravated robbery and kidnapping that took place in Te Kuiti on Saturday 15 October.

During their investigation, police said they located two firearms, imitation firearms, weapons, methamphetamine and cannabis.

The four men have been charged with a raft of offences including kidnapping, aggravated robbery, robbery and participating in an organised criminal group.

Two men, aged 28 and 22, are set to appear in the Te Kuiti District Court on 17 and 21 October, respectively.

A 25-year-old man will appear on 8 December and another 25-year-old man is scheduled to appear in court today.

Police said the investigation was a part of Operation Cobalt which aimed to disrupt gang activity in Waikato.

Police urged members of the public to provide information on what was happening in their communities to assist their efforts to stamp out gang-related crime.

People with relevant information can contact police by phone on 105 and information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.