Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, September 18, 2024
A three-year investigation into the Comanchero Motorcycle Gang in New Zealand has led to over 100 charges laid and millions in assets restrained. The investigation targeted various illegal activities, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and a sophisticated commission scheme designed to fund military-style training for members.
Multi-phase crackdown
The investigation, involving four major operations — Embargo, Scuba, Brewer, and Avon — saw significant collaboration between the Police, Customs, Corrections, and Inland Revenue. Led by the National Organised Crime Group, the operations focused on dismantling the gang’s complex criminal network.
In total, 137 charges have been brought against 41 members and associates of the gang, including high-ranking ‘office’ holders, patched members, and prospects.
This marks one of the most significant blows to the Comancheros since Operation Nova, said Police Commissioner Andrew Coster, lauding the operation as an “exceptional outcome.”
“From the very beginning, the Comancheros made it clear they saw themselves as the top gang in New Zealand,” said Mr Coster. “This investigation represents a multi-agency effort to continuously target, disrupt, and enforce criminal activity, culminating in the largest criminal prosecution against the gang in recent history.”
Dismantling a commission scheme
The final phase of the investigation, Operation Embargo, focused on a directive allegedly sent out to Comanchero members three years ago, creating a commission-based structure within the gang.
Police allege that this scheme allegedly raised funds to purchase property, businesses, firearms, and even conduct military-style training for 15 members. Commissions, such as $5,000 per kilogram of drugs sold, funded these activities.
During this phase, 62 search warrants were executed across residential properties and vehicles, resulting in the seizure of 2.6 kilograms of cannabis, 760 grams of cocaine, multiple firearms, and a significant amount of electronic evidence, including 83 mobile phones.
“This phase demonstrated the gang’s sophisticated efforts to evade law enforcement while profiting from serious criminal activities,” said Mr Coster.
Long-awaited victory
This long-term investigation into the Comancheros began with Operation Scuba in 2021, initially focusing on money laundering.
Over $5.8 million worth of assets were restrained during this phase, including two properties, nearly $1 million in cash, and luxury vehicles. Operation Brewer in 2023 led to the seizure of 200 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in farm machinery, while Operation Avon targeted the Christchurch chapter of the gang, arresting all patched members and seizing significant amounts of drugs, cash, and firearms.
Collectively, these operations have disrupted the gang’s ability to carry out further serious criminal activities. Over the three-year period, authorities seized 206 kilograms of methamphetamine, firearms, millions in restrained assets, and dozens of Comanchero patches, sending a clear message that the authorities are committed to dismantling organised crime in New Zealand.
“The results of the investigation not only signify a crucial victory for law enforcement but also reinforce the message that organised criminal groups will continue to face severe consequences for their actions,” said Mr Coster.
The police have expressed their confidence that the disruption caused by these investigations will have a lasting impact on the Comanchero gang’s operations in the country.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
