Patched Head Hunters gang member arrested over Rotorua meth dealing

A 40-year-old patched Head Hunters gang member has been arrested over the sale and supply of methamphetamine in Rotorua.

Over Wednesday night, police executed search warrants in Rotorua and Auckland. Four people have been arrested.

"This has been a long-running investigation targeting an organised crime group, including patched members of the Head Hunters gang, who have been peddling methamphetamine in the Rotorua area," says Detective Senior Sergeant Eddie Sutherland of the National Organised Crime Group.

"We are aware the Head Hunters have been trying to establish a presence in the area for some time."

They will appear in the Rotorua District Court on Thursday on charges relating to the sale and supply of methamphetamine, firearms and money laundering.

Police have seized assets including residential property and several high-end motor vehicles.

One of the vehicles seized.
One of the vehicles seized. Photo credit: NZ Police / Supplied

Rotorua Area Commander Inspector Anaru Pewhairangi says it's a reminder that participating in organised crime will lead to serious consequences.

"Gangs can only prosper when there is support for them within the community," he says.

"This group has been selling illicit drugs and accumulating wealth at the expense of the vulnerable, and we have made it clear that Rotorua Police will not stand by and let this happen."

If the community does not want gangs living among it then anyone in the community can take action by providing confidential information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, Inspt Pewhairangi says.

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