According to a press release, law enforcement officials stated that the arrests were part of a coordinated effort with partner agencies on both sides of the Tasman Sea.
Operation Black Onyx, conducted between October 13 and 19 by the National Illicit Firearms Working Group – composed of police officers from Australia and New Zealand.
Authorities utilized real-time intelligence and evaluations to target individuals of interest, resulting in 83 search warrants being executed by police.
- 43 arrests, with a total of 110 charges
- 96 firearms seized, including shotguns, rifles, and pistols
- 15 firearm parts confiscated
- 83 search warrants carried out
- 34 compliance visits made
Detective Inspector Andrew Alexander emphasized that the collaborative efforts of international and local partners enabled them to combat and disrupt illicit firearm operations.
“The collective support from various regions, agencies, and partners has led to a successful operation in dismantling criminal activities involving illegal firearms. This demonstrates the strong partnership between the New Zealand Police, Te Tari PĹ«reke – Firearms Safety Authority, and the effectiveness of the Firearms Registry in holding offenders accountable.
“By implementing our intelligence-based strategy to target those in possession of illegal firearms, components, or accessories without valid permits, we have effectively removed illegal weapons from our communities.”
