Police have arrested every patched member of the Christchurch chapter of the Comancheros in a significant operation targeting the gang.
Millions of dollars’ worth of illicit drugs have been seized as police conducted 70 warrants as part of the eight-month investigation, dubbed Operation Avon.
In total, 29 warrants were executed on addresses, including Hereford Street, and more than 40 warrants on vehicles in Christchurch, with a handful in Auckland.
Police read Hereford Street address
Approximately 5kg of Class A drugs were seized, along with 11 firearms, ammunition, and about $250,000 in cash.
Eighteen men aged between 18 and 55 were arrested and charged, including every patched Comancheros Christchurch member.
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As part of the enforcement activity, police have also restrained $1.9 million worth of assets, including an Auckland property and 11 vehicles.
The Christchurch chapter of the Comancheros became a priority target of the National Organised Crime Group (NOCG), supported by Canterbury Police, as their brazen alleged offending spread across New Zealand.
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Detective Inspector Darrin Thomson said, “Early in our investigation, we identified significant drug offending involving the Class A controlled drugs methamphetamine and cocaine, and extensive money laundering.”
Police allege the gang organised for drugs and cash to be relayed between Auckland and Christchurch every few weeks.
Police read Hereford Street address
Detective Inspector Thomson said over a million dollars’ worth of drugs at wholesale value is believed to have been moved between the North and South Island, which police will allege at prosecution equates to more than $15 million in street value.
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The 18 men have made their first appearance in court in Christchurch and Auckland.
Charges include participating in an organised criminal group, conspiracy to supply methamphetamine, and conspiracy to supply cocaine.
Police read Hereford Street address
Further charges, including money laundering and drug dealing charges, are being considered ahead of future appearances.
Detective Inspector Thomson said, “Arresting every member of the chapter will put an end to their unwanted presence in our Christchurch community.”
