Entire Christchurch gang chapter convicted in major drug bust
All members of the Christchurch chapter of the Comancheros Motorcycle Club have been convicted following a major police operation targeting drug trafficking and money laundering. The operation resulted in the seizure of significant assets, firearms, and Class A drugs.
Why it matters
The dismantling of an organized crime chapter represents a significant victory for law enforcement in curbing the distribution of harmful substances in New Zealand communities.
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A bike seized in Operation Avon. Photo: Police Every member of the Christchurch chapter of the Comancheros Motorcycle Club has now been convicted following a major investigation into multimillion-dollar drug trafficking operation, police say.
Led by the police National Organised Crime Group (NOCG) and Asset Recovery Unit, Operation Avon and Operation Leith targeted people from Invercargill to Auckland.
Acting Detective Inspector Phil Sparks said in a statement the nationwide search warrant phase in August 2024 resulted in the seizure of about 5kg of Class A drugs, 11 firearms, ammunition, and more than $250,000 in cash.
Photo: Police Police also restrained more than $1.9 million in assets, including an Auckland property and 11 vehicles.
A related investigation, Operation Leith, identified a further eight people in the southern South Island participating in criminal activity.
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