An influx of meth is believed to be behind escalating tensions between Mongrel Mob and Black Power gangs in Hawke's Bay and Gisborne

There's been two months of flare-ups between gang members and associates , which has included houses being shot at in Wairoa and vehicles being rammed.

Police issued a Gang Conflict Warrant in the Eastern District in April, giving them special powers to search vehicles of suspected gang members and seize firearms, weapons and vehicles.

One gang source told our newsroom the tensions were not part of a turf war between rival gangs.

Instead he believes members and associates - some under the influence of meth - were acting independently of gang leaders.