Police smash attempts for gang strongholds

Police have ripped the welcome mat out from under the Rebels and other criminal gangs with swift and positive action against those making money out of misery.

This morning Central District Police coordinated an operation across five policing districts in an effort to bring to account those responsible for the production and supply of methamphetamine.

In excess of 40 search warrants were executed at addresses in Palmerston North, Feilding, Levin, Foxton, Otaki, Whanganui, Murupara, Hamilton, Auckland and Northland involving over 100 police staff from Central, Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Auckland and Northland.

A total of 30 people have been arrested (men and women) with more anticipated. Police have seized 29 vehicles, including BMWs, Mercedes and Harley Davidson motorcycles, over $120,000 in cash, firearms, gang patches, cannabis and methamphetamine.

A clan lab has been located in Murupara and records of a Palmerston North finance company have been seized and the company is now under investigation.

The operation is the culmination of several months of covert policing. It has exposed what Police believe to be an organised and large scale methamphetamine distribution network. The operation has produced evidence of inter-gang co-operation to conduct illegal business, and the increased presence of the Rebels gang in New Zealand.

"The majority of people involved in producing and dealing methamphetamine are drawing WINZ benefits and squeezing the taxpayer dry while make making amounts of money that many people can only dream of," said Detective Inspector Chris Bensemann. "They are pedalling misery in our communities, feeding addiction, and forcing children to live lives exposed to toxic chemicals. The cost to society in terms of health, education, employment and the like is extortionate.

"If you think you want to join gangs, be involved in methamphetamine and organised crime, it will be your downfall. Police are focused on this type of offending and will do everything possible to cut off the temporary wealth of gangs, by applying at the every opportunity to have criminal assets and proceeds forfeited."

If you have information about drug manufacture or supply ring your local Police Station. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.