Police seize guns, drugs and cash as Operation Morpheus targets Hells Angels

Police have seized semi-automatic rifles, alcohol, drugs and cash as part of an operation targeting the Hells Angels.

Police said Operation Morpheus was a trans-Tasman operation cracking down on outlaw motorcycle gangs.

Police across the country this week targeted members and associates of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, laying 18 charges for firearms and class A and B drug offences.

Five people were arrested.

Detective Inspector Wayne Gray from the National Gang Unit said a raft of other illegal items had also been seized during searches across Auckland.

“At one property we have seized three AR-15 military semi-automatic rifles as well as firearms parts and ammunition,” he said.

“At a gang pad in the Takanini area, 400 bottles of alcohol and spirits were seized in relation to alleged breaches of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act.

“We have seized quantities of MDMA, methamphetamine and GBL.”

Overall, more than $150,000 in cash and about $93,000 in jewellery was found.

Police impounded a Mercedes-Benz and Ford Ranger in Mount Eden.

Three patched members and two associates of the gang face criminal charges including unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and possession for supply of GHB, or “fantasy”, and possession for supply of methamphetamine.

“These illegal and violent activities that outlaw motorcycle gangs choose to involve themselves in are having impacts across many communities,” Detective Inspector Gray said.

“We welcome every opportunity to work with law enforcement agencies across borders, and this unified effort is continuing to put pressure on gangs,” he said.

Police also carried out activity in connection to Operation Morpheus in the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Central and Tasman districts.

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