Two gang associates have been arrested, and 1.2kg of meth seized, as part of an ongoing investigation into a supply chain between the top of the South Island and Auckland.
Police alleged a large portion of the drugs were concealed – with a gun and ammunition – in false-bottomed diving tanks.
The Tasman Organised Crime Unit intercepted a rental vehicle in Picton in late September found to contain approximately 1.5kg of methamphetamine.
At the time. two men, aged 66 and 69, were arrested. Police said they were both associates of the Hell Angels.
Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Dye said the investigation has since focused on the source of the methamphetamine, leading detectives to a rural property in Hunua, south of Auckland yesterday where two further arrests were made.
He said staff found several dive cylinders on the property with false bottoms where drugs were concealed.
“Concealed inside was nearly a kilogram of methamphetamine along with a .22 pistol, ammunition and several packages suspected to contain a range of other illicit substances.
“Several aerosol cans were also located, which were found to conceal additional smaller amounts of methamphetamine, a number of pills suspected to be ecstasy along with other suspected illicit substances.”
He said an approximate total of 1.2kg of methamphetamine and $6700 cash was seized from the property.
“We will allege in court that the targets in our investigation are members of the Hells Angels or are associates to the gang,” Dye said.
Yesterday’s warrant, carried out by Tasman OCU members assisted by the Counties Manukau Organised Crime Unit and Armed Offenders Squad targeted a patched member of the Hells Angels.
A 66-year-old man faced charges of possession of methamphetamine for supply, conspiracy to supply methamphetamine and supplies methamphetamine.
A 44-year-old woman was also arrested, and jointly faced a charge of possession of methamphetamine for supply.
Dye said bail would be opposed in the Manukau District Court.
“Tasman Police continue to target those who attempt to bring in destructive drugs like methamphetamine into our region,” he said.
“Our teams have now made five arrests and laid 14 charges in recent months during the investigation in relation to the supply of methamphetamine with additional charges being under consideration.”
Police urged anyone with concerns about illegal drug supply in their communities to contact officers online, by calling 105 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
