Two men have been charged after police swarmed a west Auckland property.
Earlier on Wednesday, police officers – some of whom were armed – carried out what they called a “pre-planned search warrant” at a property on Red Hills Rd in Massey.
A person in a local community Facebook group said they heard a “massive explosion”, with another reporting hearing “the boom” too.
In an update on Wednesday evening, Detective Inspector Lloyd Schmid said the search warrant was executed by Operation Cobalt and Waitematā District staff, assisted by Specialist Tactical and Search Teams at an address linked to a senior patched member of the Head Hunters Motorcycle Gang.
At the Red Hills Road address, police found a stick of gelignite, ammunition, a quantity of cannabis, and a “highly sophisticated” piece of equipment that Det Insp Schmid said appears to be used to copy or manufacture forged security cards or similar.
The search was paused for a brief period so the New Zealand Defence Force Explosive Ordinance Disposal Team who were called to the scene could dispose of the gelignite.
“We are aware residents will have heard the sound of the item being disposed of by the EOD team,” Det Insp Schmid said.
“This action was to ensure the safety of our staff at the scene, and members of the wider community.”
He added that two men have been charged with possession of an explosive and further drugs charges.
A 61-year-old man, who is a senior patched member of the Head Hunters Motorcycle Gang, and a 48-year-old man linked to the same gang are due to appear in the Waitākere District Court on Thursday.
“Today’s warrant is a further example of the ongoing work being carried out by Operation Cobalt teams, not only across Tāmaki Makaurau but across New Zealand,” Det Insp Schmid said.
“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 are continuing and police wouldn’t rule out further arrests or charges being laid as a result.
