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The Far North Precision Targeting Team sought for persons of interest with warrants for their arrests at a rural property near Mangonui over the weekend, where they found a disassembled clandestine laboratory used to manufacture methamphetamine.

The discovery was made while they were doing routine enquiries on Saturday, which turned into a weekend-long investigation. Overnight, a scene guard was put in place for a Clan Lab Response Team to undergo a scene examination on Sunday.

A stolen vehicle was also located at the property, including a quantity of methamphetamine and a shotgun.

Three residents have been subsequently arrested and charged.

A 52-year-old male was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, a 43-year-old male was charged with receiving stolen property, and a 49-year-old male was charged with possession of methamphetamine.

Detective Senior Sergeant Kevan Verry, of the Northland Organised Crime Unit, says the arrested have links to the Headhunters Motorcycle gang in the Northland District. 

“Police will be continuing to make enquiries around the items found during our search, and there are likely to be further arrests and charges,” he said.

“We are focused on continually targeting organised crime groups that are influencing our drug dealing scene, and this is another example of detecting offending when we hold offenders to account.”

Anyone with information can contact their local Police through 105 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Image: Shutterstock

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