Military-style rifles and shotguns have been found in a $5.9 million during a police raid targeting the Mongols motorcycle club

Military-style rifles and shotguns have been found in a $5.9 million Auckland mansion during a police raid targeting the Mongols motorcycle club.

The discovery started when police officers in Operation Cobalt, the nationwide crackdown on gangs, searched a car parked on Shore Rd in the blue-chip suburb of Remuera last Thursday.

They found a semi-automatic AK-47 rifle with two large magazines holding 40 rounds of ammunition – taped together for fast reloading – hidden under a blanket in the front passenger seat.

The 21-year-old occupant of the vehicle, who is a patched member of the Mongols, was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a restricted weapon and ammunition in a public place.

Court documents show the gang member was living at a waterfront property on Shore Rd overlooking Hobson Bay, which has a council valuation of $5.9 million.

The discovery of a high-powered firearm near a gang member waiting in a car parked outside suggests the 21-year-old may have been on “guard duty” against potential threats from rival gangs.

The Mongols, who established chapters in New Zealand in recent years after senior members were deported from Australia, have been involved in a number of alleged shooting incidents with other gangs.

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