Gang members busted after high levels of meth found in wastewater

Two patched Mongrel Mob members and an associate have been arrested following a covert police operation triggered by high levels of methamphetamine in wastewater.

Three men – aged 39, 42, and 57 – were arrested on Wednesday after police carried out five searches across Hastings and Hawke’s Bay as part of Operation Tukutuki. An amount of methamphetamine, cash, a 3D-printed firearm and stolen property was also seized.

The six-month operation – involving specialist teams and “hours upon hours” of work – was launched after high levels of the Class A drug was detected in wastewater testing, Detective Inspector James Keene said.

“Wastewater testing has shown methamphetamine has an increasingly strong grip on parts of the Hawke’s Bay, and our goal is to crush the supply of it.

“Yesterday we targeted a small number of offenders, all in or connected to local gangs, who we believe are pumping drugs into the area.

“Methamphetamine is a massive driver of harm and victimisation, and the gangs who are peddling it aren’t worried about the damage they’re inflicting.”

Keene said the “element of surprise” was vital, “especially when organised crime networks are involved”.

“We went hard and early. Several warrants were executed simultaneously to reduce the people in this network tipping others off.”

He said police were continuing to investigate and more charges against those arrested were expected. Further arrests had not been ruled out.

The group appeared in the Hastings District Court on Wednesday on multiple charges for supply, supply and conspiracy to supply methamphetamine, and cannabis.

Anyone with concerns about illegal drug supply or criminal activity in their communities has been urged to make a report through 105 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.