Two men will appear in the Waitakere District Court today following a search warrant carried out in the Massey area.
Detective Inspector Lloyd Schmid says the warrant was executed by Operation Cobalt and Waitemata District staff, assisted by Specialist Tactical and Search Teams at an address associated to a senior patched member of the Head Hunters Motorcycle Gang.
“At the Red Hills Road address, Police located several items of interest including a stick of gelignite, ammunition, a quantity of cannabis, and a highly sophisticated piece of equipment which appears to be used to copy or manufacture forged security cards or similar,” he says.
“As a safety precaution the search was paused for a brief period of time so that the New Zealand Defence Force, Explosive Ordinance Disposal Team who were called to the scene could safely disposed of the gelignite.”
“We are aware residents will have heard the sound of the item being disposed of by the EOD team. This action was to ensure the safety of our staff at the scene, and members of the wider community.”
Residents were not required to be evacuated.
Detective Inspector Schmid says the two men have been charged with possession of an explosive and further drugs charges.
The 61-year-old man, who is a senior patched member of the Head Hunters Motorcycle Gang, and a 48-year-old man associated to the same gang are due to appear in the Waitākere District Court.
“[The] warrant is a further example of the ongoing work being carried out by Operation Cobalt teams, not only across Tamaki Makaurau but across New Zealand,” Detective Inspector Schmid says.
“Police are continuing to target and disrupt illegal activity being carried out.
“Our message is clear – we are continuing to target those who are choosing to involve themselves and commit this illegal activity.”
Investigations will continue following today’s search warrant and Police cannot rule out further arrests or charges being laid as a result.
