Insane Throttle News
7-1-2026
Hamilton, New Zealand – In a significant victory against organised crime, Waikato police have dismantled key elements of the Comanchero Motorcycle Club’s operations in the region, seizing millions in assets, substantial quantities of drugs and firearms, and arresting 24 individuals linked to multiple gangs.
Operation Texas, which began in early 2025, was initially launched to investigate a widespread drug issue tied to the Waikato chapter of the Comancheros. What started as a targeted probe evolved into a multi-phase, year-long effort spanning Waikato and Auckland, culminating in coordinated enforcement actions between March and June 2026. The operation has been praised by authorities as a major blow to the gang’s criminal activities.
Detective Inspector Albie Alexander, who played a key role in the investigation, confirmed that the first arrest was made in July 2025. Subsequent phases involved executing 42 search warrants across various locations. The operation resulted in the arrest of 24 people aged between 22 and 49, many of whom are now progressing through various stages of the court process.
Among those arrested were patched members of the Comanchero MC, four nominees, and six associates, along with patched members from the Mongols MC and the Mongrel Mob. The charges are serious and wide-ranging, including importation of methamphetamine and pseudoephedrine, possession and possession for supply of cocaine and methamphetamine, money laundering, possession of firearms, and participating in an organised criminal group.
Police seized 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, 500 grams of cocaine, and over $100,000 in cash during the raids. Firearms recovered included two shotguns, four rifles, and a sawn-off .22 calibre rifle. In a related border component involving Customs, officers intercepted a staggering 134 kilograms of pseudoephedrine, a key precursor chemical used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.
Beyond the immediate seizures of contraband, authorities have restrained assets suspected to be proceeds of crime under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009. These include two residential dwellings, motor vehicles, and a motorcycle, with a total estimated value of $1.95 million. Acting Waikato crime manager Detective Inspector Stephen Ambler noted that the removal of these drugs could have prevented up to $2.8 million worth of social harm in the community.
“This operation demonstrates our commitment to targeting those who profit from the misery caused by illicit drugs,” Detective Inspector Alexander stated. “We will continue to take every opportunity to prevent harm and intimidation caused by gangs, and to disrupt their ability to illegally accumulate wealth.”
The Comancheros, an outlaw motorcycle gang with roots in Australia, have been a focus of law enforcement attention in New Zealand for several years. This latest action builds on broader regional efforts, including Taskforce Morpheus, a collaborative initiative involving police agencies across Australia and New Zealand aimed at disrupting the gang’s cross-border criminal networks. Previous operations have similarly targeted firearms, drugs, and money laundering activities associated with the group.
Local communities in Waikato and surrounding areas have long expressed concerns about the impact of gang-related drug dealing, violence, and intimidation. The success of Operation Texas is seen as a positive step toward reclaiming safety in neighbourhoods affected by these activities. By removing significant quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine from circulation, police believe they have mitigated risks of addiction, overdose, and associated crime.
Experts in organised crime note that such operations are crucial not only for immediate disruptions but also for long-term intelligence gathering. The involvement of multiple agencies, including Customs and specialists in financial investigations, highlights the sophisticated, multi-faceted approach now required to combat modern gang operations, which often blend traditional motorcycle club structures with sophisticated import and distribution networks.
Police are urging anyone with information about the importation, distribution, or sale of illicit drugs and firearms to come forward. Reports can be made to police via 105, online, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers. “Every piece of information helps us build stronger cases and keep our communities safer,” authorities emphasised.
This crackdown comes at a time when New Zealand continues to grapple with the challenges posed by transnational organised crime groups. The Comancheros and similar gangs have been linked to high-profile incidents involving drugs, weapons, and territorial disputes. Operations like Texas send a clear message that law enforcement is intensifying its efforts to hold accountable those who choose a path of criminal enterprise over lawful contribution to society.
As the arrested individuals navigate the court system, the full extent of the operation’s impact will become clearer. For now, Waikato police and the broader New Zealand Police force are celebrating what they describe as a successful disruption of a significant criminal network. The restrained assets, if forfeited, could further bolster efforts to fund community initiatives aimed at prevention and rehabilitation.
In the words of Detective Inspector Alexander, the fight against gangs is ongoing: “We will not rest until the harm they cause is minimised and those responsible are brought to justice.”
This operation underscores the dedication of New Zealand’s law enforcement agencies in protecting public safety and combating the scourge of organised crime. Communities in Waikato and beyond will be watching closely as the legal processes unfold, hopeful for continued progress in making their regions safer and more secure.
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