Police have arrested a man and seized a firearm, ammunition and cannabis as part of ongoing Operation Cobalt targeting organised crime groups.

On Wednesday, police arrested a 38-year-old man associated with the Killer Beez gang at a property in Earnslaw Crescent, Christchurch.

A loaded sawn-off shotgun was located at the property, along with a significant amount of shotgun ammunition and cannabis.

The man will appear in the Christchurch District Court today charged with breaching bail, as well as unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of cannabis for supply.

The arrest comes as police continue to step-up enforcement and disruption of unlawful gang activity across the country as part of Operation Cobalt.

Detective Sergeant Tim Sterne of Christchurch CIB says “We are committed to ensuring our communities and whanau are kept safe from drugs and violent behaviour.

This arrest ensures that an armed, dangerous individual with gang links can no longer pose a risk to those around him.”

Detective Inspector Scott Anderson of Christchurch CIB says “Under Operation Cobalt, we will continue to target the unlawful use of firearms by gangs in our communities.

Our message to those involved is clear – we have zero tolerance for any gang-related violence and drug offending.”

Police and partner agencies are working hard to ensure we keep our communities safe, and we will continue to actively target those involved in criminal activity.

We need the local communities to help us address unlawful behaviour in our region.

Information can be given to Police by contacting 111 if it is happening now and 105 after the fact.

If for whatever reason you do not want to speak to Police directly, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online via www.crimestoppers-nz.org