By rnz.co.nz
Eight vehicles have been impounded and nine people arrested following two gang tangi in Bay of Plenty, police say.
On 11 June, a tangi in Welcome Bay involving the Greazy Dogs saw five vehicles impounded – four for failing to stop for police and one for sustained loss of traction.
Bay of Plenty district commander Superintendent Tim Anderson said two drivers had licences suspended for excessive speed and three people had appeared in court on charges relating to speeding and obstruction.
Police issued 14 infringements on the day.
An investigation was continuing into traffic-related offences during a Mongrel Mob Barbarians tangi in Ōpōtiki.
This included infringement notices for allowing passengers to ride in a dangerous manner and not wearing seatbelts, Anderson said.
Three vehicles had been impounded at this stage.
“This is on top of a successful operation on the day of the tangi and in the days following, which saw gang-related vehicles stopped and searched by Police under the Criminal Activity Intervention Legislation (CAIL) Act 2023,” Anderson said.
Nine people were arrested and three people were summonsed to appear in court.
“Those arrested and summonsed are facing a range of charges, including for firearms and drug-related offending, and possession of offensive weapons and ammunition,” Anderson said.