Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Harrison
The Manawatu Police and Police Asset Recovery Unit have terminated a long-running operation targeting organised crime, namely the Central chapter of the Hells Angels Gang.
Within the past week Police have executed a number of search warrants and carried out enquiries at addresses across Palmerston North, rural Manawatu, Whanganui, Auckland and the Bay of Plenty.
As a result of this operation, to date, 16 properties have been searched, two active clan labs have been shut down, and 12 firearms, ammunition and a taser have been recovered.
Four high-end cars, six custom Harley Davidson Motorbikes, a stolen 2.6 tonne excavator valued at $35,000, two stolen trailers one worth $13,000 and a quantity of cash have been seized.
Illegal drugs including, cocaine, ecstasy, methamphetamine and cannabis were located.
Thirteen people are facing charges including manufacturing methamphetamine, conspiracy to deal methamphetamine, possession of class A drugs, possession for supply of methamphetamine, cultivation of cannabis, and unlawful possession of firearms.
These illegal drugs cause devastating harm in our local communities and the public can be assured that we will continue to arrest those responsible and hold these offenders to account.
These people have attempted to increase their own personal wealth and social status through the supply of illicit drugs, offending that contributes greatly to the misery and social harm of others. Through the dedicated work of investigators Police have successfully been able to seize and remove these ill-gotten status symbols of perceived success.
Profits are what drives organised crime, therefore we will continue to target this motivation for people to become involved in such crime.
Information from the community regarding organised crime and gang-related offending is invaluable in helping NZ Police to investigate crime and prevent harm - the more we know, the more effective we can be at stopping criminals unfairly profiting at the expense of others.
Information can be provided to Police via 105 (phone or online reporting), or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
