Major Armed Police Operation Underway in Maketū, Bay of Plenty

Residents of Maketū, a small town in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand, are witnessing an unprecedented police operation that has brought the area to a standstill. As of early Sunday morning, a large-scale armed police presence has been established in the town, with cordons set up on Maketū Rd and a noticeable increase in police activity across the region.

According to eyewitness accounts, the scene is marked by a heavy police presence, with at least 25 police vehicles reported to be on site. Some residents described seeing members of the Armed Offenders Squad with firearms drawn, a sight that has left many in the community visibly shaken.

A police spokesperson confirmed that the operation is pre-planned and emphasized that the public should expect an increased police presence in the area. However, authorities have assured the community that there is no threat to public safety. Maketū Rd has been closed, but local residents can still access the town via Wilson Rd North.

Two checkpoints have been established on Maketū Rd, one near the intersection with Young Rd and another close to Kaituna Rd. At the latter, a police command unit was set up, indicating the scale and seriousness of the operation. Local residents also reported seeing police boats in the Maketū Estuary, suggesting that the operation extends beyond land.

While the exact reason for the operation remains unclear, some locals speculate that it may be related to a long-running legal case involving three Maketū properties that are subject to a forfeiture order under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act. The properties are believed to be linked to the Mongrel Mob gang, a notorious criminal organization in New Zealand. However, police have not confirmed any direct connection between the operation and the legal case.

As the operation continues, the community remains on high alert. Police have urged residents to remain calm and to follow official instructions. The situation is being closely monitored, and updates are expected as more information becomes available.

This is a significant event for Maketū, a town that has long struggled with the presence of organized crime. The operation marks a turning point in the ongoing efforts to combat criminal activity in the region and may signal a major step forward in the fight against gangs and their associated illegal activities.

As the sun rises over Maketū, the town remains in a state of heightened tension. The community is watching closely, hoping that this operation will bring about lasting change and a renewed sense of safety and security.