Police working on operation Flyer have this morning seized cannabis, methamphetamine, cash, and vehicles including cars, motorbikes and jet skis from nine addresses in Upper Hutt, Titahi Bay, Paekakariki and the Wairarapa.
Four men and one woman will face charges relating to dealing methamphetamine in the Wellington District Court today and tomorrow. One of the men will also face charges relating to cannabis supply and cultivation, and theft. Another will face cannabis supply charges, and two of the offenders will face charges related to aggravated robbery. Further charges will be laid as the day evolves.
Detective Sergeant Shane Rongonui is leading today's operation, which is focused on disrupting a methamphetamine supply network involving the Head Hunters gang in the Wellington region.
"The Head Hunters are a fast growing gang, with a formidable reputation for physical violence and intimidation, and for orchestrating methamphetamine production and supply in New Zealand.
"In the past three years Police have restrained about $14 million in assets from this gang, and laid about 1700 charges against its patched members. As a result over a third of Head Hunters members are either on bail, remanded in custody or in prison.
"Methamphetamine is not a victimless crime that only affects the health of the people using it. It affects us all. The methamphetamine economy drives your house getting burgled, your car getting stolen; and keeps the organised crime groups and their gang supply chains in business."
Updates:
An audio file of Detective Sergeant Rongonui commenting as above can be requested from Emma Peel.
Detective Rongonui is not available for immediate comment, but will provide further updates as information comes to hand today.
Media contact:
Tel: 021 915 891
