OFF THE WIRE
REBEL: A Rebel gang member claimed the "club" had nothing to do with hard drugs shortly after this photo was taken on Easter Saturday, when the Rebels opened a Whangarei headquarters.
A senior Whangarei Rebels Motorcycle gang member has been charged with possession of methamphetamine and $16,000 cash was allegedly found in his car only a month after a spokesman claimed the club was drugs-free and wanted to have a positive impact on the community.
The Northern Advocate is unable under law to name the 31-year-old Whangarei Heads man before he appears in the Whangarei District Court next Wednesday.
However, he has been charged with possession of methamphetamine - and if convicted, faces a maximum jail term of six months on that charge.
Detective Sergeant Mike Blowers said police carried out a random traffic stop and pulled the man over on Onerahi Hill about 1.30am on Wednesday.
Officers smelt cannabis in the car and noticed an open can of alcohol. They were about to carry out breath-testing when the man allegedly ran off into nearby bush.
Police say that a short time later he gave himself up.
A police dog and handler tracked the path believed to have been taken by the man and allegedly discovered two 1g bags of methamphetamine. Another half-gram bag was also found.
The police say they found the cash during a search of the car.
Mr Blowers said the man was remanded on bail to appear in court next Wednesday.
Since the arrival of the Rebels in Whangarei and the official opening of their headquarters in Porowini Ave at Easter, police have kept a close eye on members' activities.
Head of Whangarei police Inspector Paul Dimery told a council meeting police would not allow the Rebels to get a foothold in the methamphetamine trade and use bullying standover tactics in the city.
Following the latest arrest Mr Dimery said: "Drug dealing by gang members is indicative of the contribution they make to any good community." He would not comment further on the arrest.
Last month Guru, a spokesman for the Rebels Motorcycle Club in Whangarei, said the club "wanted to cement itself in the community and have a positive impact".
He said police claims the gang had Australian links and were known for manufacturing and dealing methamphetamine was propaganda and their club had a "no-drugs policy".
At the time, Guru said: "Police have gone overboard talking about drugs and crime when they have nothing to substantiate it."
"We are here to make friends with the community and that won't happen by dealing drugs.
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http://www.northernadvocate.co.nz/have-your-say/news/rebel-motorcycle-gang-member-on-p-charge-after-pol/3952613/