Police have arrested 12 people after the armed offenders squad searched two properties in the Auckland suburb of Pakuranga tonight.
A large number of armed police officers are present on Tiraumea Drive in Pakuranga. Photo: RNZ / Mohammad Alafeshat
In a statement, Inspector Kerry Watson said police had responded to a report of suspicious behaviour in the Swan Crescent area at 5.30pm.
Watson said the suspicious behaviour reported to police was believed to involve firearms.
The armed offenders squad and armed police subsequently searched two properties in the area.
Two vehicles at the address attempted to drive off, but were stopped by police.
The searches resulted in the arrest of 12 people, who are believed to be gang affiliated.
Watson said nearby residents may have heard distraction devices in use at one of the properties that was searched.
He said no shots were fired and the incident did not pose a serious risk to the community.
A St John ambulance spokesperson said no one had been injured.
A large number of armed police officers are present on Tiraumea Drive in Pakuranga. Photo: RNZ / Mohammad Alafeshat
Earlier, a staff member at a takeaway shop on Ti Rakau Drive told RNZ a large number of police vehicles and armed officers had been in the Pakuranga area since about 6pm tonight.
The staff member said there was no indication about what was happening.
RNZ understands a police cordon is in place on Tiraumea Drive where there are nine police cars, and six armed police officers on the road, with more inside the vehicles.