Police infiltrate Hells Angels gang inner sanctum
11 March, 2011 - 15:33
Police in
Tasman District today revealed they had infiltrated the
highest echelons of the Red Devils and Hells Angels gangs,
with undercover Police Officers gaining gang membership and
providing detailed information about the gang's offending,
intentions and activities over many months.
Early this morning the Defence Force flew 80 Police staff
from Auckland and Wellington to Nelson assist local Police
and NZ Customs with raids on the properties of Red Devils
gang members and associates.
Tasman District Commander, Superintendent Gary Knowles said
that since the Red Devils first appeared in the District two
years ago Police had maintained that they were a puppet gang
for the Hells Angels and were heavily involved in organised
crime.
"The gang's supporters and their legal representatives have
constantly denied these claims. What we have revealed today
is the extent of the gang's firearms trading, the work they
have done to develop drug supply lines, extortion,
burglaries and moving stolen property around the country.
"The fact they are now manufacturing explosive devices to be
used against members of the public underpins the danger
these criminals pose to this community.
"These gangs are not a bunch of good old boys with bikes,
they are organised, criminals and they are not welcome in
this community," Superintendent Knowles said.
By 3pm today Police had searched 31properties in Nelson,
Mapua Motueka, Takaka, Picton and Blenheim and seized the
gang's Natalie St pad, along with a range of other assets.
Twenty eight people are now in custody facing charges
ranging from dealing class A, B and C drugs, including LSD,
ecstacy and methamphetamine, to being a member of an
organised crime group under Section 98A of the Crimes Act.
Police have seized 11 motorbikes and a range of firearms
including rifles, shotguns and pistols, some of which are
cut-down rifles. Two pipe bombs were also recovered.
"This is a real concern and highlights the fact that the
stakes have been raised in terms of public safety. Explosive
devices are only made with the intention of killing or
causing serious damage to life and property.
The headquarters of the Hells
Angels at 28 Brentwood Ave, Mt Eden in Auckland and another
private address in Auckland were also searched early this
morning as part of this operation.
"What we have achieved today is the culmination of an overt
and covert operation that is part of a long-term strategy to
address organised crime in the top of the South,"
Superintendent Knowles said.
"We have successfully undermined this gang and our focus
will now move to other like-minded groups."
During the 18-month operation undercover officers gained
access to gang members' homes and businesses, and most
significantly their gang pads.
One of the undercover agents became a member of the gang,
gaining free access to the fortified gang headquarters and
attending secret meetings of the gang’s inner sanctum,
allowing valuable evidence to be collected.
Hells Angels HQ infiltrated
Deputy Commissioner of Police Rob Pope said today that the
Nelson operation was a crucial part of the over-arching
national strategy against organised crime and had enabled
Police to seriously undermine the Hells Angels gang.
“Undercover officers successfully infiltrated the Auckland
and Wanganui chapters of the Hells Angels gang, gathering
evidence against members and entering their gang
headquarters. This level of infiltration would not have been
possible without the backing of the Nelson Red Devils gang.”
"The Hells Angels welcomed the agent into the fold, inviting
the undercover officer into their Auckland pad at 28
Brentwood Ave in Mt Eden and allowing the officer to ride
with them on their recent poker run," Deputy Commissioner
Pope said.
"“The Red Devils and Hells Angels also facilitated one of
our undercover officers gaining access to the headquarters
of the Head Hunters gang in Auckland."
He said the information gathered enabled Police to establish
the level of control and direction the Hells Angels had over
the formation of the Red Devils in Nelson.
“There is no doubt that the intention was for the Nelson Red
Devils to eventually morph into a Hells Angels chapter,"
Deputy Commissioner Pope said.
He praised the work of the Police investigation team and
Undercover Programme involved in the build up and execution
of today's successful termination.
"Those involved in this operation have conducted their
duties to the very highest standard," he said
"Without their total dedication, infiltrations to the extent
achieved could never have happened. The Police have done the
community a great service in exposing these criminals,"
Deputy Commissioner Pope said.
He also praised the NZ Defence and Customs for their role in
the operation.
"The inter-agency partnerships we operate underpin a whole
of Government committment to the disruption and dismantling
of organised crime in New Zealand," he said.
"By collaborating we are able to draw on the collective
knowledge, expertise and resources to ensure effective
targeting of organised crime groups and members."