OFF THE WIRE
LYN HUMPHREYS
OPERATION PUFF: Powerco network operator and Taranaki Rebels president Garry Dewar about to be released on bail at the New Plymouth District Court yesterday.
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A Powerco operator is one of 13 New Plymouth people arrested following a covert police drug operation aimed at crushing the Rebels bikie gang.
Dewar is charged with stealing electricity, and cultivating cannabis and participating in a criminal gang.
His arrest on Thursday, along with at least 12 others, was the culmination of Operation Puff, a widespread undercover police surveillance operation when police swept through properties, most of them in New Plymouth and Northland, arrest-ing more than 20 men and women.
Dewar was one of several who appeared in the New Plymouth District Court yesterday on drug-related charges.
Six were dealt with by the courts on Thursday.
New Plymouth CIB Detective Sue Ashton confirmed Dewar was the Taranaki branch president of the Rebels. The armed offenders squad was called out on Thursday for one arrest, that of Dallas Hikaka, a psychiatric nurse and patched Taranaki Rebels member, who was living at the old Barrett St hospital, Ms Ashton said.
Police remained on alert after hearing that Rebels members were expected to ride into Taranaki this weekend, Ms Ashton said.
In court, Judge Allan Roberts released Dewar on strict bail conditions, telling him that if he associated with any Rebels or associates he would be remanded in custody as had two other Taranaki patched Rebels members, Nathan Couper and Hikaka.
Dewar had been bailed because his charges did not involve high-end class A restricted drugs, the judge said, and were therefore "far, far removed" from the charges Couper and Hikaka were facing.
"You get one shot at this, one shot only," Judge Roberts warned him.
Dewar's bail conditions included surrendering his passport and a curfew that still allowed him to work.
Powerco human resources manager Jan Davison said yesterday the company was aware the charges had been laid against the New Plymouth-based employee.
Powerco had been in contact with police and the employee, Ms Davison said.
"Powerco will act in a manner that befits a good and prudent employer.
"Because these matters are before the court we will not be making further comment," Ms Davison said.
Others bailed yesterday were:
Tai William Massey-Hunter, 23, and Johannes Esterhuizen, age and occupation unknown: both charged with conspiring with Couper to supply ecstasy, a class B restricted drug.
James Laughton Reeves, 39, occupation unlisted, of Sentry Hill: manufacturing and possessing hash, a class B restricted drug.
Paul Todd O'Brien, 42, unemployed: possessing cannabis for supply.
A 33-year-old woman on drugs charges did not appear in court and was given police bail.
All of those who appeared in court yesterday were remanded to appear on September 22.
Central Districts field crime manager Inspector Chris Bensemann said yesterday there had been "a handful" more arrests in Northland yesterday and the focus on the gang would continue.
- Taranaki Daily News
