Police made numerous arrests, recovered multiple stolen vehicles, and busted a cannabis grow operation as part of a gang and drugs crackdown in Northland.
Officers executed 16 searches across the region over the course of two weeks.
Among those arrested were a 58-year-old Nomads gang member and a 35-year-old gang associate, jointly charged with the aggravated robbery of a Toyota Land Cruiser in Aratapu on July 18.
Methamphetamine dealing charges were also laid against the associate and a 29-year-old woman from Kaikohe.
A 24-year-old Killer Beez member from Kaikohe was charged over the supply of methamphetamine and cannabis.
In Kaitāia, a 44-year-old Black Power member was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine and resisting police.
Detective Inspector Rhys Johnston said $100,000 worth of stolen vehicles had been recovered, including a $40,000 Polaris side-by-side.
A 27-year-old Ōkaihau man with links to the Nomads was charged after a stolen vehicle, and guns were found during a search.
In Ngunguru, a 31-year-old member of the Head Hunters and his partner were charged with allegedly stealing a Mercedes.
“Our enquiries will continue, and drugs charges are likely following a search warrant at the Ngunguru property,” Johnston said.
Several properties linked to the Mongrel Mob were also searched, resulting in the recovery of three stolen motorbikes and a stolen 4WD. This led to several arrests and “likely further to come”.
In Taupō Bay, detectives found a 66-year-old man who was arrested for extradition to Australia. At the same time, a cannabis grow operation was busted, and $10,000 in cash was seized.
“He will face serious methamphetamine dealing charges when he crosses the Tasman,” Johnston said.
Alongside the warrants, warnings were handed out over drug possession.
Referrals were also made to support services for families identified in the operation.
Johnston said the operation sent a “firm message”.
“Police continue to take firm action against those peddling the misery of methamphetamine into many of our vulnerable communities.
“Our community has spoken up, and we are continuing to target the prevalence of methamphetamine, so this is by no means the end.”
