Five people who police allege were “integral parts” of the Comancheros’ drug supply network have been arrested and charged following search warrants this week.
Operation Leith was a sub operation of Operation Avon, which saw every patched member of the Christchurch chapter of the gang arrested in August along with the seizure of “millions of dollars worth” of illicit drugs.
In search warrants over the last three days, four men and a woman, aged between 35 and 63, were arrested.
Police said they are not members of the Comancheros but were “integral parts” of its drug supply network.
They face charges of methamphetamine supply and participating in organised criminal group offences. Police also seized two homemade tasers and several electronic devices.
The number of people arrested and charged as part of Operation Avon and Leith is now 31.
Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves said reports indicate the supply of illicit drugs into Invercargill and Dunedin have been “significantly disrupted” by recent police enforcement.
“The termination of Operation Leith is a clear message to gang members, their associates and anyone dealing drugs in Southern District that we will track you down and hold you to account for your offending.
“Police will work tirelessly to target drug offending and work with our partners to reduce the harm caused by destructive drug dealing behaviour in our communities.
“This behaviour negatively impacts every single person in our community, it does not discriminate, and it will not be tolerated.”
