Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

10 detained as major operation continues across Auckland

At least 10 people detained as major operation continues across Auckland


At least 10 people have been detained and are now speaking with Police as a major operation targeting the criminal activities of the Head Hunters gang continues this morning.

Nine men and one woman have been detained, and are being interviewed by Detectives from Police’s Organised Financial Crime Agency at various stations across Auckland.

The ten 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)

At this stage it is anticipated that the majority of the accused will appear in the 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 have now been located in a panel shop on Marua Road, and these are now in the process of being seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

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.

Nearly 180 Police officers are involved with today’s operation, including members of the Police Dog Squad, Asset Recovery and Armed Offenders Squads.

The investigation into the criminal activity by the Head Hunters gang has been ongoing for several months.

“We know from experience that where there is methamphetamine, there are often firearms, and to ensure the safety of not only the public but also that our of own staff, extensive planning has gone into today’s operation” says Detective Inspector Bruce Good, OFCANZ Auckland.

“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 4 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 Police officers this morning, but we can’t take any chances and we thank you for your understanding” says Det Insp Good.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.