Four people have been arrested, including a patched gang member, in a long-running police crackdown on methamphetamine in Rotorua.
Police seized a number of assets, including vehicles, as part of Operation Janzi. Photo: Supplied / Police
Those arrested include a 40-year-old patched Head Hunters gang member, and face charges relating to the sale and supply of methamphetamine, firearms and money laundering.
Police also seized assets, including residential property and several high-end motor vehicles, after conducting a search warrant in Rotorua and Auckland as part of Operation Janzi.
Detective Senior Sergeant Eddie Sutherland said the arrests come after an investigation into an organised crime group involved in methamphetamine in Rotorua.
"We are aware the Head Hunters have been trying to establish a presence in the area for some time.
"Police are committed to targeting, prosecuting and seizing the assets of organised criminals who take advantage of the addictiveness of methamphetamine and profit off vulnerable members of society."
Rotorua Area Commander Inspector Anaru Pewhairangi said the operation was a reminder that those who participated in organised crime would face serious consequences.
"Gangs can only prosper when there is support for them within the community.
"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."
Rotorua Police also worked closely with iwi under the guidance and korowai of Te Pukenga Kōeke O Te Arawa.
Those arrested will appear in the Rotorua District Court today.
One of the vehicles seized by police in Operation Janzi. Photo: Supplied / Police
