A massive drugs crackdown in Auckland and Waikato has been warmly received by Labour MP Su’a William Sio, the former deputy mayor of Manukau City and councillor for Otara. The crackdown is the result of a six month investigation by Counties Manukau Police.
“I am hopeful that…(it will)….send a clear message to those in gangs and those flirting with gangs that our communities are sick and tired of their villainy.”
The arrests began on Monday and have taken place in south and central Auckland and North Shore. On Tuesday, eight men and two women that were arrested face a range of charges including the manufacture and supply of methamphetamine. Hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of the drug were found in the raids. As of Wednesday, 7 May, 44 arrests were made, many of them with gang connections to The Tribesmen and The Killer Beez.
A number of those arrested have already appeared in Manukau’s District court facing possession, supply and distribution drug charges and also firearm related charges. Among those are 30 year-old Killer Beez leader Joshua Masters. Among the locations raided was the Colourway Record label headquarters in Otara which is connected to the Beez gang, which formed five years ago primarily as a feeder gang for the Tribesmen motorcycle gang. It has since expanded its influence through Auckland and Northland.
Over 80 Police were involved in the raids backed by the Armed Offenders Squad.
Police authorities believe the arrests will have a significant impact on the sale and distribution of the drug, particularly around south Auckland.
“Drugs like P are fast becoming a modern plague on our society and if we don’t eradicate it from our communities it will destroy the lives of every young person who would otherwise be destined to become a future leader of our nation,” adds Su’a.
“Our communities need to view those involved in the illegal drugs trade as villains and nothing more.”
