Ōpōtiki Police have arrested two people following recent offending involving firearms in the area.
On Monday 16 October, Police were notified that a person had discharged a firearm at a property in the Ōpōtiki area.
A 29-year-old man was taken into custody the following day and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and recklessly discharging a firearm.
This morning, a 27-year-old man was taken into custody following a report of a robbery where a firearm was allegedly presented at another person.
He is charged with assault with intent to rob involving a firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm.
The first man is due to reappear on January 25, 2024, in Ōpōtiki District Court and the second man is due to appear today in the Whakatāne District Court.
Police hope that these arrests in conjunction with other recent arrests in the area, reassure the community that this behaviour will not be tolerated by Police.
We will continue to take all necessary measures to stamp out offending involving firearms and hold offenders to account.
Police encourage members of the public to share information on anyone illegally possessing firearms and weapons with Police.
Information can be shared anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
