Date Time NZ police Operation focused on preventing firearms getting into hands of criminals A national operation launched by Police in February targeting the disruption and prevention of firearms-related violence by criminal gangs and organised criminal groups is already seeing results. Since Operation Tauwhiro launched in February, 350 firearms have been seized, along with $2.46 million in cash. 378 people have been arrested in relation to firearms offences. “Although we are only in the early stages of this long-term operation, these initial results are significant,” says Assistant Commissioner: Investigations, Lauano Sue Schwalger. “A recent search warrant in Auckland recovered 11 starter pistols in various states of conversion to live firing firearms. Following a search warrant in Northland, ten firearms were located – seven semi-automatic rifles, one bolt action rifle, and two shotguns”.