Key Takeaways
- Police launched Operation Tar, a coordinated, intelligence‑led crackdown on gangs, drugs and firearms in Hawke’s Bay and Wairoa.
- The operation resulted in the seizure of 17 firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, over $30,000 in cash, ~4 kg of cannabis and 15 g of methamphetamine.
- Nine individuals were arrested on charges including drug dealing and firearms offences, with further arrests anticipated.
- Seven compulsory DNA orders were served and a dedicated drug‑testing morning was conducted for people on bail.
- A multi‑agency hub was set up, deploying qualified staff from across New Zealand to support affected whānau and connect them with social‑service agencies.
- The Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities initiative worked alongside enforcement, aiming to reduce harm and strengthen community wellbeing.
- Detective Inspector James Keene emphasized that 96 % of whānau engaged by the support team accepted assistance, highlighting the operation’s focus on both disruption and care.
- Disrupting gangs and reducing the availability of illicit drugs and firearms remains a top priority for Eastern District Police.
Operation Overview
Operation Tar was a targeted, intelligence‑led police initiative conducted last week across Hawke’s Bay and the neighbouring district of Wairoa. Led by the Gang Disruption Unit, the operation combined preventive measures with active enforcement to address organised criminal activity involving gangs, illicit drugs, and firearms. The name “Tar” reflects the operation’s aim to “stick” to criminal networks and remove them from the community. Over several days, police deployed both specialist officers and support staff to execute warrants, conduct searches, and engage with individuals linked to gang‑related offending.
Seizures and Arrests
The operation yielded substantial contraband: officers confiscated 17 firearms, numerous rounds of ammunition, more than $30,000 in cash, approximately four kilograms of cannabis, and 15 grams of methamphetamine. These seizures were directly linked to the locations where nine suspects were apprehended. The arrested individuals face a range of charges, including drug trafficking, possession of illegal weapons, and breaching bail conditions. Police indicated that further arrests are likely as investigations continue to unpack the networks uncovered during the operation.
DNA Orders and Drug‑Testing Initiative
As part of the enforcement phase, police served seven compulsory DNA orders on individuals suspected of involvement in the criminal enterprises. Additionally, a dedicated drug‑testing morning was organised for people currently on bail, allowing officers to monitor compliance with bail conditions and identify those who may be using illicit substances. This proactive approach aimed to deter further offending while gathering forensic evidence that could strengthen future prosecutions.
Community Hub and Support Services
Recognising that enforcement alone does not address the root causes of gang harm, police established a hub in Hawke’s Bay staffed with qualified personnel drawn from agencies nationwide. The hub’s primary function was to identify whānau (families) impacted by the offending and connect them with appropriate support services, such as counselling, addiction treatment, housing assistance, and youth programmes. By centralising these resources, the operation sought to provide timely help to those most vulnerable to the ripple effects of gang activity.
Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities
Parallel to the enforcement effort, the Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities (ROCC) initiative played a crucial role. This police‑led, multi‑agency programme focuses on strengthening community resilience against organised crime influence. During Operation Tar, ROCC teams worked alongside intelligence units to pinpoint individuals and families most in need of assistance, offering tailored interventions designed to reduce the likelihood of re‑offending and improve overall wellbeing. The initiative underscores the belief that lasting safety stems from both disrupting criminal networks and uplifting the communities they affect.
Leadership Perspective
Detective Inspector James Keene, who oversaw the operation, described Tar as a “coordinated, intelligence‑led operation with community safety and wellbeing at its core.” He stressed that the police’s objective extends beyond merely disrupting organised crime; it also aims to reduce the harm inflicted on whānau and the broader community. Keene highlighted the pervasive impact of gang‑related offending, noting that issues such as methamphetamine addiction continue to damage individuals, families, and neighbourhoods long after any immediate criminal act.
Engagement and Support Uptake
The ROCC component reported strong community engagement: 96 % of whānau contacted by the support team accepted assistance, indicating a high level of trust and willingness to seek help. This statistic reflects the effectiveness of the hub model and the importance of providing accessible, culturally appropriate services. By meeting families where they are and offering concrete support, police aim to break cycles of disadvantage that often fuel gang involvement.
Ongoing Enforcement and Future Priorities
While the immediate results of Operation Tar are significant, police view it as part of a longer‑term strategy. Detective Inspector Keene affirmed that disrupting gangs and reducing the availability of drugs and firearms remains a priority for Eastern District Police. Ongoing surveillance, intelligence gathering, and community‑focused initiatives will continue to target the structures that enable organised crime, with the goal of sustaining the safety gains achieved during the operation.
Conclusion
Operation Tar exemplifies a balanced approach to policing that merges firm enforcement with compassionate community support. Through substantial seizures, arrests, DNA compliance, and a robust support network for affected whānau, the operation not only curtailed immediate criminal threats but also laid groundwork for lasting community resilience. The high uptake of offered services demonstrates that when police pair disruption with genuine care, they can foster safer, healthier environments for all residents of Hawke’s Bay and beyond.