A convoy of more than 200 vehicles gathered at Botany Town Centre over the King’s Birthday long weekend before police moved in, making arrests and impounding cars.
“Police would continue to enforce and monitor any such planned anti-social road user events, in order for all of the community to enjoy and be kept safe on our roads,” Counties Manukau District Commander Superintendent Shanan Gray said.
Police said reports came in from 8pm of vehicles congregating on Quay Street in central Auckland, before the group moved to Botany Town Centre and grew to more than 200 vehicles.
The convoy then travelled through parts of Auckland and was met by checkpoints and police, as part of what police called Operation Tread.
A number of vehicle occupants were arrested and charged.
Police said the charges included sustained loss of traction, dangerous driving, disqualified driving, driving with excess breath alcohol, possession of cocaine and disorderly behaviour.
Ten vehicles were impounded, and police carried out 578 breath tests.
Gray thanked staff involved in the operation for their professionalism.
Police said the Botany Town Centre operation was one of two anti-social road-user operations carried out that weekend, with a second taking place in Manawatu.
