Thirteen people have been arrested as part of a “significant investigation” into an organised criminal group in Rotorua which saw 300 grams of methamphetamine, two Tasers, three firearms and several vehicles among the items seized by police.
Warrants were executed at addresses in Rotorua, Tokoroa, and Te Puke over the past three weeks by the Bay of Plenty Organised Crime unit as part of an investigation into sale and supply of methamphetamine in the area.
Police located and seized 300 grams of methamphetamine, three firearms, around $50,000 in cash, electronics, and stolen trailers. It will also be alleged that several vehicles seized, including a Harley Davidson, a Holden Commodore and a Ford Ranger, were purchased with the profits from criminal activity.
Several patched gang members are among 13 people due to appear in court charged with possession of methamphetamine for supply, supplying methamphetamine, and participating in an organised crime group.
Detective Sergeant Leonie Smith said the seizures and arrests would make a “significant dent” in drug offending in Rotorua.
“We know the harm methamphetamine does in our community and our team has worked tirelessly to gather a significant amount of evidence ahead of terminating.
“This demonstrates the commitment to hold people to account by putting them before the courts and ensuring they are stripped of assets bought with their criminal profits.”
