Police have arrested 12 people in connection to last week's gang-related shootings and disorder in Whakatane.

The team investigating the shootings, assisted by the Rotorua and Tauranga Armed Offender Squads and staff from across the Bay of Plenty executed four search warrants at properties in Whakatane on Friday morning.

Detective Senior Sergeant John Wilson says 12 men from Whakatane have been arrested as a result of the search warrants and the investigation.

They face a raft of charges including using a firearm against law enforcement officers, reckless discharge of a firearm, unlawful possession of firearms, participating in an organised criminal group, and rioting.

A firearm and a quantity of ammunition were also located during the searches, says John.

'The antisocial behaviour of these individuals and the events of January 17 were dangerous and unacceptable, and because of them members of the public were put at risk.”

'While the investigation team have made significant progress with these arrests, we would like to assure the Whakatane community that police will continue to investigate until all those identified are held to account for their behaviour.”

John says police want to thank everyone who came forward to assist with their enquiry.