WELLINGTON, Sept 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) – Gangs and organised crime groups will continue to be relentlessly targeted, with the extension of police’s successful organised crime operation, New Zealand Police Minister, Poto Williams, said today.
“The government has never been more active in cracking down on gangs and organised crime, and getting gang leaders off our streets,” Williams said in a statement.
The success of Operation Tauwhiro shows the impact the government’s record investment in police continues to have, the minister said, adding, there are 700 additional officers alone, to be focused on organised crime.
“Gangs destroy lives, but we will not let them destroy communities,” Williams said, adding, Operation Tauwhiro will continue to disrupt and prevent firearms-related violence by criminal gangs and organised crime groups.
The government has already committed to introducing Firearms Prohibition Orders, to protect the public from firearms harm, the minister said.
By amending the Criminal Proceeds Act, the police have been given new powers, to seize assets from organised criminals, Williams said, adding, the police has seized 500 million NZ dollars (353.7 million U.S. dollars) in cash and assets from gangs, in the last four years.– NNN-AGENCIES
