Head Hunters gang member among four charged after organised crime operation targeting meth

December 6, 2018
Police in Operation Janzi seized this vehicle.

Four people, including a Head Hunters member, have been arrested overnight as part of a major organised crime operation targeting methamphetamine dealers in Rotorua.

The 40-year-old patched gang member will appear in Rotorua District Court today alongside the three others who were arrested.

A Bentley was among the vehicles seized in Operation Janzi.

They face charges relating to the sale and supply of methamphetamine, firearms and money laundering.

"This has been a long-running investigation targeting an organised crime group, including patched members of the Head Hunters gang, who have been peddling methamphetamine in the Rotorua area,” Detective Senior Sergeant Eddie Sutherland, of the National Organised Crime Group, said.

Police in Operation Janzi also seized this vehicle.

"We are aware the Head Hunters have been trying to establish a presence in the area for some time."

Assets including one residential property, $40,000 in cash, one boat and four high-end motor vehicles as staff from Rotorua, the National Organised Crime Group and the National Asset Recovery Unit executed search warrants in Rotorua and Auckland.

Police also recovered 15 ounces of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $420,000 as part of the investigation.

Rotorua Police worked closely with iwi under the guidance and korowai of Te Pukenga Kōeke O Te Arawa.

The video has whipped up a storm, with some calling it a promotion stunt.

"This group has been selling illicit drugs and accumulating wealth at the expense of the vulnerable, and we have made it clear that Rotorua Police will not stand by and let this happen," Anaru Pewhairangi, Rotorua Area Commander Inspector, said.

If the community does not want gangs living among it then anyone in the community can take action by providing confidential information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, Inspector Pewhairangi said.

SHARE ME