OFF THE WIRE
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JONATHAN CAMERON/Taranaki Daily News
MAKING THEIR MARK: Detective inspector Chris Bensemann with a Rebels patch.
Rival gangs are working together to take advantage of the lucrative illegal drug trade, New Plymouth's gang liaison police officer says.
"Methamphetamine and the high profits that can be made from that have seen gangs start to co-operate with each other for the sole purpose of making money," Constable Nick Wilson said.
Mr Wilson spoke to the Taranaki Daily News following a high-profile police operation last week, attempting to prevent Australian outlaw motorcycle gang the Rebels from gaining a foothold in New Zealand. Three patched members of the Rebels were arrested in New Plymouth during Operation Puff and are now before the courts facing serious drug charges including conspiring to supply cocaine, methamphetamine and ecstasy, and participating in a criminal group.
Mr Wilson said police became aware of who was involved nationally with the Rebels during a biker rally in Northland during Easter. The Rebels are believed to have had only three patched members in New Plymouth but were actively trying to recruit, he said.
Mr Wilson said he did not believe the Rebels were working with established gangs in New Plymouth including the Black Power and Magog Motorcycle Club.
The gangs had got smarter though and weren't fighting each other.
"We haven't had any acts of violence or aggression between the gangs that has come to our attention," he said.
"Gangs have learnt that going into opposition with each other brings unwanted police attention."
Mr Wilson said when rival gangs moved into opposition turf it could bring issues.
"One of two things could happen – there may be isolated acts of violence, one-off stuff, or they may start working together, which we are seeing more around the country."
Mr Wilson warned of the potential problems if the Rebels were to get established. "They're known for violence and they're known for dealing in large amounts of cocaine and methamphetamine.
"That is the major concern in New Zealand, that if they do get established it is possible that our streets may end up awash with cocaine due to their established supply lines and networks in Australia," he said.
"The Rebels are a gang we don't want in New Zealand and we want to reassure the community that they are a national and local focus.
"That message goes out to current gang members and any prospective members that they will be subject to ongoing police attention."
In February, police seized 29 vehicles, including BMWs, Mercedes and Harley-Davidson motorcycles, more than $120,000 in cash, firearms, gang patches, cannabis and methamphetamine.
WHO ARE THE REBELS?
The Rebels Motorcycle Club is the largest 1 per cent (outlaw) gang in Australia.
It was established in the late 1960s and has more than 3000 members.
Its insignia is a Confederate flag with a cap-wearing skull and 1 per cent patch in the centre.
Known for serious violence, drugs and weapons trafficking.
Chapters exist in Sweden, the United States, New Zealand and Thailand.
Has alliances with the Hells Angels and Gypsy Jokers.
Rebels have been spotted in Palmerston North, Whangarei, Taupo and Auckland.
- Taranaki Daily News
