Police have arrested five people, including one Killer Beez gang member, as part of an ongoing operation to crack down on the gang's involvement in the sale and supply of methamphetamine.
During four search warrants in the South Island this week, police discovered an indoor cannabis growing operation with 61 plants and seized these along with $5000 cash and a taser.
In total, 12 members of the Killer Beez 'Southern Swarm' have now been charged with participating in an organised criminal group and are before the court.
Tasman Organised Crime Unit's Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Dye said police work hard to disrupt organised crime groups or gangs who "prey on the vulnerable" and profit from the sale of controlled drugs.
Dye said a 30-year-old man is facing charges in relation to being part of an organised criminal group, along with drugs and unlawful possession of an offensive weapon charges and is due to reappear in the Christchurch District Court on December 22.
A 31-year-old woman residing at the address appeared at the Christchurch District Court on December 7, charged with cultivating cannabis.
Three Tasman-based associates of the Killer Beez were apprehended yesterday following search warrants executed at a Nelson-based address and on vehicles located in public places in Motueka and Blenheim.
"Two of those arrested were apprehended after being stopped in vehicles in Motueka and Blenhein," said Dye.
Dye said all three are alleged to have regularly purchased methamphetamine from the Killer Beez for on-supply in Nelson and Blenheim and are facing charges of conspiracy to supply methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine for supply.
Two Nelson-based men aged 41 and 60 are due to appear at the Nelson District Court today and a 29-year-old Blenheim man is to appear in the Blenheim District Court.
Dye said Tasman Police will continue to use all legal options available to investigate those involved in the distribution of methamphetamine and urged anyone with information to contact police directly or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
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