Waikato police hail successful crack-down on Comancheros gang

Tuesday, 30 June 2026

Some of the guns seized from the Comancheros gang as part of Operation Texas.

Waikato police say they have made dozens of arrests across three gangs, taken drugs and guns off the streets, and seized millions in assets following a year-long operation.

Operation Texas was commenced in early 2025, looking into widespread drug issues linked to the Waikato chapter of the Comanchero motorcycle club.

“Police made an initial arrest in July 2025 and, following further investigation, Operation Texas was carried out in multiple phases between March and June 2026,” Detective Inspector Albie Alexander of the National Organised Crime Group (NOCG) announced on Tuesday.

Forty-two search warrants were executed across various locations in the Waikato and Auckland, resulting in 24 people between the ages of 22 and 49 being arrested.

Police also seized numerous firearms including two shotguns, four rifles and a sawn-off .22 calibre rifle.

About 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, 500 grams of cocaine and over $100,000 in cash were also seized.

The 24 people arrested are now at various stages of the court process.

More of the guns seized by the police from the Comancheros gang as part of Operation Texas.

Those arrested include Comanchero MC patched members, four nominees and six associates of the gang, as well as patched members of the Mongols MC and Mongrel Mob gangs.

They face a range of charges including importation of methamphetamine and pseudoephedrine; possession and possession for supply of cocaine, methamphetamine and cocaine; money laundering; possession of firearms; and participating in an organised criminal group.

Operation Texas involved dozens of officers from numerous policing districts.

Acting Waikato crime manager Detective Inspector Stephen Ambler hailed the dedication and diligence of the Waikato NOCG team who were part of the investigation.

“Our NOCG teams are dedicated to targeting those people that cause the most harm in our communities through the sale of illegal drugs and this operation was well supported by our Waikato District Team.

“We’re proud to have contributed to this outcome, significantly reducing the negative effects of drugs to our local communities,” Ambler said.

The investigation included a “border phase” with New Zealand Customs who intercepted 134kg of pseudoephedrine.

Police had also “restrained” assets as suspected proceeds of crime under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009.

These include two homes, motor vehicles, and a motorcycle, totalling about $1.95 million in value.

“We estimate removing the drugs may have prevented up to $2.8 million worth of social harm,” Alexander said.

“We will take every opportunity presented to prevent harm and intimidation caused by gangs.”