NEW ZEALAND|Crime
Guns, drugs and more than $1m in cash, gold, cars and bitcoin have been seized by police as part of a major operation focused on organised crime.
Police arrested 11 people who were involved in the Auckland crime ring including those with strong links to the Head Hunters Motorcycle Gang, manufacturing and distributing methamphetamine, as well as their illegal possession of firearms.
The four-month-long investigation, dubbed Operation Evansville, run by a joint Tāmaki Makaurau Organised Crime Team, came to an end yesterday when 21 search warrants were carried out in Henderson, Long Bay, Flatbush and Auckland central.
Eleven people were arrested and faced various charges including robbery, unlawful possession of firearms, possession for supply methamphetamine, manufacturing methamphetamine and money laundering.
The group includes two men, aged 47 and 50, who were arrested in the final phase of the operation yesterday, and have since appeared in the Auckland District Court.
Detective Inspector Aaron Pascoe, Field Crime Manager for Auckland City District, said organised crime groups, drugs and guns go hand in hand.
“These organised criminals are often unlawfully in possession of firearms, which poses a risk to our community and is completely unacceptable,” he said.
- Man held for trial in killing of Philly Warlocks Prospect
- Can a Biker or Motorcycle Club member legally defend themselves from excessive force by Police
- Hells Angels and Red Devils MC caught up in big bust
- Elkford man assaulted for allegedly wearing Hells Angels vest
- Florida motorcycle club holds 15th annual memorial ride honoring fallen officers
