[ad_1]
A police operation focused on the importation, manufacturing and supply of methamphetamine, MDMA and other drugs has resulted in 12 arrests today.
Drugs, weapons and money recovered by police during the first part of Operation Cincinnati in late October.
Photo: Supplied / New Zealand Police
Police said in a statement that top leaders of the Comancheros and Rebels gangs were among those arrested after search warrants were executed at 21 properties in the wider Auckland area and three other properties in Christchurch.
During property searches, a quantity of drugs were recovered, some of which were packaged ready for sale, $ 200,000 in cash and a shotgun.
The nine-month investigation carried out by the National Organized Crime Group targeted “a core group allegedly involved in the importation, distribution and manufacture of methamphetamine and MDMA, along with other illicit drugs in Auckland and Christchurch,” the statement said. .
One of those arrested was “a leader of the Comancheros gang, who allegedly formed a partnership with a high-ranking member of the Rebels gang in Christchurch, both allegedly running drug distribution networks in their area,” police said.
Another 10 gang members and their associates have also been arrested in connection with their alleged roles in the network, which saw the transport of drugs and cash between the two cities.
Police said it was the second part of Operation Cincinnati, which saw 26 people arrested and kilos of drugs, multiple firearms and more than $ 10 million in assets seized in October.
Customs personnel joined the police operation, which included members of the armed criminal squad and asset recovery units and police dogs.
National Organized Crime Group Acting Detective Inspector John Brunton said police were determined to target leaders and key members of criminal gangs, who engaged in illicit drug distribution, intimidation and violence.
“We want to reduce the damage that these gangs are causing in our communities,” he said.
Twelve people between the ages of 20 and 42 will appear in Auckland District Court in the coming days on various drug-related charges.
