Operation Round Up A Significant Blow To Hells Angels
Operation Round Up has seen nearly $2.5 million worth of assets seized as Police executed around 30 search warrants on properties and vehicles this morning.
The search warrants were executed in Whanganui, Auckland, Palmerston North, and Hastings, assisted by the Armed Offenders Squad and Special Tactics Group.
During the warrants across the North Island, items seized included five firearms, a brick of cocaine, $7,000 cash, and around 10 ounces of meth.
Seventeen men and 2 women have been charged, including the president, vice-president, and sergeant at arms.
Detective Inspector Craig Sheridan says this is a significant blow to the gang, which has had an entrenched presence in the Whanganui community for decades.
As part of enforcement activity, Police's Central Asset Recovery Unit has restrained five motorcycles, seven vehicles, three properties, two jet skis, and around $108,000 cash.
Detective Inspector Sheridan says the operation has been spearheaded by Central District Organised Crime Unit, in an all-of-Police approach to tackling gang harm.
Staff from several workgroups and locations have worked as one to obtain these results, he says.
'The assets restrained are believed to be the proceeds of crime, and anyone profiting from the sale of illicit drugs can expect to see their assets restrained or forfeited.
'We will continue to use all available tools to disrupt criminal organisations who profit from this offending, and from the harm caused by illicit drugs in our community,' Detective Inspector Sheridan says.
The operation began in March 2024 and has involved hours of planning, resources, and work by a number of Police staff.
Police cannot rule out further arrests and charges.
Whanganui Area Commander Inspector Neil Forlong says the arrest of so many leaders of the Hells Angels will have a huge impact on the community.
'This gang has been a part of the fabric of Whanganui for years, and the generational harm they have caused is significant.'
However, it is important to remember what comes next, once gang leaders have been arrested.
'The very fact this gang has been part of so many lives means we need also to take care of those who have relied on the gang's activities for so long – partners, children, now all need support.'
Local agencies will help assist whanau and loved ones impacted by these arrests, to ensure they have support moving forward.
Inspector Forlong says local iwi leadership has spoken to him about introducing a meth harm reduction programme in Whanganui, which Police would be supportive of.
All those arrested have appeared today or are appearing in court in coming days, in Whanganui, Palmerston North, Hastings, and courts in Tamaki Makaurau.
SIGNIFICANT ARRESTS
A 35 year old Whanganui man, and a 35 year old Whanganui woman are each charged with:
3x Importing cocaine
4x Importing methamphetamine
3x Possession of meth for supply
Possession of cocaine for supply
Conspiracy to supply methamphetamine
Participating in an organised criminal group.
A 30 year old Whanganui man is charged with:
3x Importing cocaine
Importing methamphetamine
Conspiracy to supply methamphetamine
2x Possession of meth for supply
2x Possession of cocaine for supply
Supplying cocaine
Participation in an organised criminal group.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
21 hours ago
- Scoop
Aggravated Robbery, Ngāruawāhia
Waikato Police are investigating an aggravated robbery at a service station in Ngāruawāhia overnight. At around 12.55am on Friday, July 25 a vehicle arrived at the service station on Great South Rd. A group of four offenders exited the vehicle and smashed their way into the premises. A staff member was inside the store and activated the fog cannons before making themselves safe in the rear of the store. They were uninjured and are being offered support. The group took a number of items from the store before fleeing in a stolen Nissan Navara ute, last seen heading south along Great South Rd. The ute was reported stolen from Hamilton overnight on July 23-24. Police are investigating and would like to hear from anyone who may have seen the ute or have any information on this offending. Anyone with information can contact Police on 105 quoting file number 250725/9859.
Scoop
a day ago
- Scoop
Christchurch Police Seeking Information On Hit And Run
Police in Christchurch investigating a hit-and-run in the city this week are seeking information from the public. Emergency services were called about 9:05am on Wednesday 23 July to a crash between a car and a cyclist, at the intersection of Grahams Road and Westburn Terrace, in Burnside. The cyclist was transported to hospital in a serious condition. While the driver did stop at the scene initially, he left shortly afterwards, failing to stop to check on the injured cyclist. He was driving a white SUV, similar to a Subaru, and is described as Indian in appearance, between 40-50 years old, around 178cm tall and of large building, and with a tattoo on his forearm. He was wearing a blue turban and grey hoodie. If you have any information that could help Police identify the driver, please contact 105 and reference file number 250724/8060.
Scoop
2 days ago
- Scoop
10,000 To Get Family And Sexual Violence Training
Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence Better, and more, training to help staff support in family and sexual violence responses are being rolled out across frontline services, with the goal of reaching 10,000 workers in the next two years. Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence Karen Chhour says, 'this will ensure victim-survivors receive best practice support, and will empower staff to safely recognise, refer, and respond to family and sexual violence.' 'This training is an important part of our response to family and sexual violence. I am proud of our progress against the second Te Aorerekura Action Plan, it shows the benefits of a multi-agency response and the dedication of government departments to best supporting victim-survivors.' Other progress against the Action Plan includes: The Ministry of Justice has delivered training to over 800 members of its court-related workforce. Ongoing training is expected to reach up to 500 people per year. The Department of Corrections has given essential-level family violence training to more than 4,700 of its staff. In 2024, Police redesigned the course for new recruits to include two weeks' family violence training. Over 550 Police recruits received training in that first year, and over 850 recruits are expected to receive training by the end of 2025. 'The Action Plan sets out a number of key actions to be achieved, including training 10,000 frontline workers in family violence and sexual violence over two years. 'These goals are bold. Achieving them will require strong cross-agency collaboration and re-enforced commitment to this focus area as a priority. 'This boldness is needed to improve the support provided to victim-survivors and will empower these frontline workers to undertake their roles with the greatest care,' says Mrs Chhour.
