A search warrant has been executed at Dunedin’s King Cobra gang pad this morning, which police believe was linked to a “stolen to order” crayfish theft crime ring.
Three search warrants targeting two individuals and three residential and commercial properties in Dunedin were carried out at 7am, police said, after a “months-long investigation” into the alleged theft of 3750kgs of commercial crayfish.
The crayfish, which police say were stolen from a local business between October 2023 and October 2024, left “huge” losses and a “significant impact” on the victim.
Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves said “Operation Larry” had been targeting a “large-scale, organised crayfish crime ring”.
“Police can confirm that one of the warrants was executed at the King Cobra’s David Street pad, which is believed to be linked to the significant theft of crayfish,” she said.
“Police have obtained a restraining order for the King Cobra gang pad under the Criminal Proceeds Recovery Act.
“This is theft on a massive scale, with the value of stolen crayfish estimated to be several hundred thousand dollars.
“As a result of our enquiries, we believe the crays were stolen to order.
“The theft was first reported to us back in October 2024, and the scale of it is significant and charges in relation to this offending are likely.”