Meth supply targeted in raids across Auckland and Rotorua

Thursday, 6 December 2018

A combined police operation involving staff from the National Organised Crime Group, National Asset Recovery Unit and staff from Auckland and Rotorua has resulted in four arrests, including a patched Head Hunters gang member. 

Police said the co-ordinated raids were in connection to the sale and supply of methamphetamine. 

'This has been a long-running investigation targeting an organised crime group, including patched members of the Head Hunters gang, who have been peddling methamphetamine in the Rotorua area,' said Detective Senior Sergeant Eddie Sutherland of the National Organised Crime Group.

'We are aware the Head Hunters have been trying to establish a presence in the area for some time.'

Four people have been arrested, including a 40-year-old man who is a patched Head Hunters gang member.

They face charges relating to the sale and supply of methamphetamine, firearms and money laundering, and will appear in Rotorua District Court on Thursday.

Seized assets at this stage include residential property, and several high-end motor vehicles.

'Police are committed to targeting, prosecuting and seizing the assets of organised criminals who take advantage of the addictiveness of methamphetamine and profit off vulnerable members of society,' Sutherland said.

'The Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act continues to be a highly effective tool to recover proceeds of crime and we encourage anyone with information regarding criminal or suspicious financial activities to let us know.

'Our message is simple: if you sell drugs, you can expect to be caught and face significant time in prison.'

Rotorua area commander Inspector Anaru Pewhairangi  said the group had been selling illicit drugs and accumulating wealth at the expense of the vulnerable.

'We have made it clear that Rotorua Police will not stand by and let this happen,' he said. 

'We are focused on working in partnership with Iwi and our community to help those affected by methamphetamine get away from the downward cycle of addiction.'

Rotorua Police also worked closely with iwi under the guidance and korowai of Te Pukenga Koeke O Te Arawa.