Cars, guns and ammo seized in raids

At least 10 people have been detained and are now speaking with police after a major operation targeted Head Hunters Motorcycle members in the Bay of Plenty this morning.

Around 180 police staff have also raided numerous addresses in Auckland and the Waikato.


Weapons found as part of Op Sylvester several weeks ago in Mt Wellington. All photos: Supplied.

It's been reported that properties in Mount Maunganui and Welcome Bay have been the target of this morning's raids.

Police say nine men and one woman have been detained, and are being interviewed by detectives from the Organised Financial Crime Agency at various stations across Auckland.

All 10 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)


A 1964 Ford Thunderbird.

At this stage it's anticipated that the majority of the accused will appear in 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, were 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.

'We know from experience that where there is methamphetamine, there are often firearms,” says Detective Inspector Bruce Good.

'To ensure the safety of not only the public but also that of our own staff, extensive planning has gone into today's operation.

'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 four high-powered rifles, a revolver and a large amount of ammunition.

'I know that it might have been quite alarming for any members of the public who saw armed officers this morning, but we can't take any chances and we thank you for your understanding.”


Other items recovered as part of Op Sylvester.


A 1958 Ford Fairlane.

You may also like....

7 comments

Overit

Posted on 28-07-2015 17:03 | By overit

Another great outcome. Thank you NZ police.


What lovely people

Posted on 28-07-2015 18:44 | By How about this view!

We have living amoungst us! QUESTION..... WHY are they living amoungst us?


great

Posted on 28-07-2015 20:58 | By dumbkof2

well done nz police now can we have a raid on all the other gangs.keep raiding them and wipe them out all together


About time

Posted on 29-07-2015 08:23 | By Feruno

something was done to control the gangs . They have been allowed to fearlessly intimidate citizens for far too long . BAN them . Civilized society does not need them.


tip of the iceberg

Posted on 29-07-2015 18:22 | By stokey

So how do they get these military weapons into the country - perhaps they have connections with celebrities? Keep after them Bruce. Great work.


@stokey

Posted on 31-07-2015 11:54 | By Easty

none of these are "military" weapons, all can be bought on a standard firearms license, perhaps we need to make the penalties a lot harder for people being caught in possession of illegal firearms, and even harder for people supplying them outside of the law. Especially considering that blaser tactical rifle at the top goes for ~$12,000 new, it shouldn't be hard to track.


Trouble

Posted on 03-08-2015 14:06 | By Feruno

lies ahead for NZ . This bust is the tip of the iceberg . Anyone who is na


Leave a Comment


You must be logged in to make a comment.