New Zealand - Police raid Auckland gang HQ; loud bangs heard

OFF THE WIRE
Source: stuff.co.nz
VICTORIA ROBINSON - Stuff
Police arrested 11 people in raids in Auckland, Napier and Hamilton targeting alleged methamphetamine suppliers linked to the Hell's Angels motorcycle gang.
While searching the Hell’s Angels headquarters, police found approximately four grams of methamphetamine, $20,000 in cash, scales and small plastic bags used for dealing methamphetamine.
There were also three crossbows with bolts and arrows found in gang members’ bedrooms.
Police are continuing inquiries to find people connected with these items.
A 39-year-old Auckland debt collector, who is also a Hell’s Angels gang member, appeared in the Auckland District Court earlier today.
After searching his home, police found two police batons and a large quantity of cash.
They also seized a Harley Davidson motorbike, which they alleged had been used in drug dealing offences.
Eight people in Napier were arrested after police searched seven houses where residents were believed to be buying large amounts of P from the Hell's Angels in Auckland, and dealing it to other people who then sold it on.
Five people will appear in Napier District Court today on charges of conspiracy to supply methamphetamine, possession of Class A drugs for supply, and conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine.
Another person will appear in the court tomorrow, facing the same charges.
Those charged with these offences include a 41-year-old fish filletter, 48-year-old sickness beneficiary, 40-year-old unemployed man, 29-year-old unemployed man, 34-year-old unemployed man and a 41-year-old unemployed woman.
All six are from Napier.
A 45-year-old electrician and a 21-year-old shop worker were also arrested in Napier on minor drug offences during the searches.
Police also searched a Hamilton house as part of the operation. An unemployed Hamilton man has been charged with cultivating cannabis, possession of cannabis and possession of instruments for smoking methamphetamine.
Police say the raids came about after a two-month operation focussing on P dealing in the Hawke's Bay area.
Napier Area Commander Inspector Kevin Kalff said today's arrests will severely cut the supply of P coming into Hawke's Bay.
"This was a well-organised group with strong gang connections in Auckland. It is indicative of a thriving drug trade that reaches into every corner of New Zealand and is not just confined to the big cities," Mr Kalff said.
Police used ladders to scale the fence of the Hell's Angels headquarters on Brentwood Ave in Mt Eden, Auckland.
A member of the gang, who arrived on Brentwood Ave around 10am on his motorbike, watched the address for a short period of time and parked outside.
He became aggressive towards a cameraman who was recording across the street from the headquarters.
The man could be heard talking on his mobile and arranging legal advice following this morning's incident.
Police have been in and out of the address throughout the morning and drug dogs entered the property at around 9.30am.
Sarah Robson, was staying nearby, was woken by the loud bangs at 7.45am.
Ad Feedback ''I looked out the window and saw armed police scaling the fence. Then I heard two loud bangs. It was all over relatively quickly,'' she said.
Police said the noises were distraction devices. No shots were fired.
Robson was surprised at the number of ladders used to scale the wall of the address.
Neighbour Anna Duckworth said there had never been any problems with the Hells Angels.
''Now and then there's police driving past, but they're respectful and pretty much the ideal neighbours.''
Last week a 41-year-old Clive man was arrested when police found nearly 5 ounces of P - with an approximate street value of $130,000 - at his house.
Police are asking anyone with further information on P dealers to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.