The police operation began in March 2024. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
Nineteen members and associates of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club Whanganui chapter have been arrested as part of a year-long police operation.
Operation Round Up, saw nearly $2.5 million worth of assets seized by police as they did about 30 search warrants on properties and vehicles on Tuesday morning.
The search warrants took place in Whanganui, Auckland, Palmerston North, and Hastings.
Detective Inspector Craig Sheridan said five guns, a brick of cocaine, $7000 cash and about 10 ounces of meth were found.
Five motorcycles, seven vehicles, three properties, two jet skis, and around $108,000 cash were also restrained by police's central asset recovery unit.
As a result, 17 men and two women, including the president, vice-president, and sergeant at arms, were arrested and charged.
Sheridan said the operation was spearheaded by Central District Organised Crime Unit in an all-of-police approach to tackling gang harm.
The operation began in March 2024 and involved hours of planning, resources and work by a number of police staff, he said.
Whanganui Area Commander Inspector Neil Forlong said the arrest of so many leaders of the Hells Angels would have a huge impact on the community.
"This gang has been a part of the fabric of Whanganui for years, and the generational harm they have caused is significant."
However, it was important to remember what comes next, once gang leaders have been arrested, he said.
"The very fact this gang has been part of so many lives means we need also to take care of those who have relied on the gang's activities for so long - partners, children, now all need support."
Local agencies would help whānau and loved ones impacted by the arrests, to give them support moving forward.
Forlong said local iwi leadership had spoken to him about introducing a meth harm reduction programme in Whanganui, which police would be supportive of.
All those arrested appeared in court on Tuesday or would be appearing in coming days in Whanganui, Palmerston North, Hastings and Auckland.
They faced a range of charges including importing cocaine and methamphetamine, participating in organised crime and possessing cocaine and meth for supply.
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