Police operations targeting gang crime in several Southern centres has resulted in 17 arrests and over 40 charges being laid. "Those charges include possession of firearms, possession of class A controlled drugs, receiving stolen property and possession of methamphetamine. Police have revealed many of those arrested had "strong links to gangs and organised crime in the region". Acting Southern District Commander Acting Superintendent Darryl Sweeney said this is an excellent result and only the beginning of our strategy to disrupt gangs and prevent our young people from joining. "It is a real priority of mine as District Commander to ensure that this is the safest place to live and to reduce the overall harm that organised crime and its members bring to families and our communities," he said.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 12, 2020 20:37 UTC