At least 10 people have been detained and are now speaking with Police as a major operation targeting the criminal activities of the Head Hunters gang continues this morning.
Nine men and one woman have been detained, and are being interviewed by Detectives from Police’s Organised Financial Crime Agency at various stations across Auckland.
The ten people will each be charged with a range of serious offences including;
-Manufacturing methamphetamine
-Supplying methamphetamine
-Possession of precursor substances (iodine, hypo phosphorous acid)
-Possession for supply of methamphetamine
-Unlawful possession of firearms
-Unlawful possession of a pistol
-Unlawful possession of ammunition
-Participating in an organised criminal group
-Money laundering
-Possession for supply of a class C controlled drug (ecstasy analogue)
-Supplying a class C controlled drug (ecstasy analogue)
-Supplying pseudoephedrine (ContacNT)
At this stage it is anticipated that the majority of the accused will appear in the Auckland District Court this afternoon.
Police are also speaking with a number of people in the Waikato, Waitemata, Bay of Plenty and Northland areas and further details on this aspect will be released in the next few hours.
At least 16 cars, including a 1958 Ford Fairlane and a 1964 Ford Thunderbird have now been located in a panel shop on Marua Road, and these are now in the process of being seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
The cars are part of an asset recovery programme that will be seized today as part of Operation Sylvester, with the total value of the assets thought to be worth around $4 million.
Nearly 180 Police officers are involved with today’s operation, including members of the Police Dog Squad, Asset Recovery and Armed Offenders Squads.
The investigation into the criminal activity by the Head Hunters gang has been ongoing for several months.
“We know from experience that where there is methamphetamine, there are often firearms, and to ensure the safety of not only the public but also that our of own staff, extensive planning has gone into today’s operation” says Detective Inspector Bruce Good, OFCANZ Auckland.
“Several weeks ago, as part of this investigation we searched a storage facility in Mt Wellington. Inside we found a Hiace van with a substantial quantity of methamphetamine and ingredients to make more. We also found 4 high-powered rifles, a revolver and a large amount of ammunition (Pictures attached to this release) . I know that it might have been quite alarming for any members of the public who saw armed Police officers this morning, but we can’t take any chances and we thank you for your understanding” says Det Insp Good.
ENDS
Another audio version is available of this release. Det Inspector Bruce Good will be available for one on one interviews early this afternoon. A notice will go out to media via this avenue advising the time and location and media will then be able to book a time. The interviews will be done at Harlech House in Otahuhu.
Beth Bates/NZ Police/021 192 1243
