After the successful raids on Friday, which exposed the Police infiltration into the heart of organised crime in Nelson, a total of 37 people have now been arrested in connection to the operation. This includes all 11 members of the Red Devils motorcycle gang.
The charges the gang and its associates face include: participating in an organised crime group, drug supply and use, conspiracy to commit arson, assault, theft, burglary, receiving stolen property and unlawful possession of firearms and explosives.
The ongoing operation saw two further search warrants executed over the weekend which resulted in police seizing 28gm of methamphetamine with a street value between $12,000 and $18,000.
Police working on the operation have so far seized more that 800 exhibits including: 13 motorbikes, 16 firearms, two pipe bombs, large quantities of stolen meat, butter and milk, nine cars, computers and a variety of drugs.
Organised and Financial Crime Agency New Zealand Taskforce Leader Detective Inspector Grant Wormald said it was likely that further search warrants would be required.
He said this is based on evidence located and further information being supplied to the police by members of the public following the very successful raids last week.
"It would appear that members of the public have been too concerned to raise too many issues about the Red Devils and their activities in Nelson in the past two years. Following the positive policing last week members of the community are obviously feeling more confident about reporting their observations and concerns.
"In addition a number of people who have been criminally involved with the Red Devils and their associates and who are aware the police have been seeking them are taking the initiative and coming forward rather than having the police knock on their doors," Inspector Wormald said.
"If anyone has further information they wish to pass on to police they can do so by contacting the Nelson police directly, or if they wish to remain anonymous, by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
Those still in custody and those who were charged last week but released on bail, will next appear in a special sitting of the Nelson District Court at 9am on Tuesday 15 March in front of Judge Toohey.
ends