Hot topics close

Every patched member of Christchurch Comancheros chapter arrested

Every patched member of Christchurch Comancheros chapter arrested
"Millions of dollars' worth" of drugs have also been seized in the major police operation.

A huge police operation has seen every patched member of the Christchurch chapter of the Comancheros gang arrested.

And "millions of dollars' worth" of illicit drugs have also been seized.

"Police yesterday terminated about 70 warrants as part of the eight-month investigation, dubbed Operation Avon," police said.

All of Christchurch’s patched Comanchero members were arrested as part of a months-long operation targeting the drugs trade. (Source: 1News)

"In total, 29 warrants were executed on addresses and more than 40 warrants executed on vehicles, predominately in the Christchurch area, with a handful in Auckland.

"Approximately 5kg of class A drugs were seized, along with 11 firearms, ammunition, and about $250,000 cash.

Some of the drugs seized by police in their raid of the Christchurch Comancheros chapter.

Some of the drugs seized by police in their raid of the Christchurch Comancheros chapter. (Source: Supplied)

"Eighteen men aged between 18 and 55 were arrested and have been charged, including every patched Comancheros Christchurch member," the police spokesperson continued.

An Auckland property and 11 vehicles, worth about $1.9 million, were "restrained".

The gang's Christchurch chapter became a "priority target" of the National Organised Crime Group after their "brazen alleged offending spread across New Zealand", police said.

Some of the firearms seized by police in their raid of the Christchurch Comancheros chapter.

Some of the firearms seized by police in their raid of the Christchurch Comancheros chapter. (Source: Supplied)

Detective Inspector Darrin Thomson said: "Early on, our investigation identified significant drug offending involving the Class A controlled drugs methamphetamine and cocaine, and extensive money laundering.

"Class A drugs cause untold harm and misery in our communities and the impact on families is intolerable.

"These groups have no hesitation in peddling drugs and accumulating vehicles and property, with no regard for the destruction they cause in everyday New Zealanders' lives.

Two motorcycles seized by police.

Two motorcycles seized by police. (Source: Supplied)

"We have no doubt that this disruption of the Comanchero gang will have a positive impact on the drug supply chain across the country."

Police alleged that the gang relayed drugs and cash between Christchurch and Auckland "every few weeks".

Thomson said: "Over a million dollars' worth of drugs at wholesale value were believed to have been moved between the North and South Island, which police will allege at prosecution equates to more than $15 million street value."

Some of the cash seized by police in their raid of the Christchurch Comancheros chapter.

Some of the cash seized by police in their raid of the Christchurch Comancheros chapter. (Source: Supplied)

The 18 arrested men have made their first appearances at courts in Christchurch and Auckland.

They face charges including participating in an organised criminal group, conspiracy to supply methamphetamine, and conspiracy to supply cocaine. Further charges are being considered, police said — including money laundering and drug dealing charges.

"Arresting every member of the chapter will put an end to their unwanted presence in our Christchurch community," Thomson said.

'They're funding their lifestyles at New Zealanders' expense'

Thomson spoke to reporters at a media conference after the announcement.

He said investigators had employed a "suite of tactics" to gather information and evidence.

He also announced a further three arrests in Canterbury related to the operation. The latest arrests bring the total number to 21, he said; 15 in Christchurch and six in Auckland.

The Auckland arrests also included "a number" of patched Comancheros "and a number of associates and nominees as well".

"I think that the community will be far safer," he said. "They're funding their lifestyles at New Zealanders' expense."

He "couldn't say" if this was the first time in New Zealand an entire gang chapter had been arrested.

Similar shots
  • Comancheros CulturaMexicana Historia  Tequila Petate IntercambioCultural carlosarturotm
News Archive
  • Covid-19 cases New Zealand
    Covid-19 cases New Zealand
    Covid 19 coronavirus Omicron: Nine deaths, 14,463 new Covid cases, 1000 people in hospital
    21 Mar 2022
    5
  • Jack Reacher
    Jack Reacher
    Bestselling author Lee Child hands the future of Jack Reacher over to his younger brother
    17 Jan 2020
    1
  • World Cup brackets
    World Cup brackets
    World Cup turning into a superstar showcase as bracket narrows
    11 Dec 2022
    3
  • Locations of interest
    Locations of interest
    Omicron locations of interest: Motueka supermarket, Auckland airport bus rides | Otago Daily Times Online News
    23 Jan 2022
    4
  • Jays
    Jays
    Today in Blue Jays history: George Bell wins MVP
    17 Nov 2023
    3
  • Tate McRae
    Tate McRae
    Tate McRae 2024 Australia Tour
    7 Nov 2023
    3
This week's most popular shots