Hells Angels Leaders Arrested in Major North Island Gang Raids

A major police operation has led to the arrest of 19 members and associates of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club’s Whanganui chapter, marking a significant blow to the notorious gang’s operations in the North Island.

Operation Round Up, launched in March 2024, culminated in a large-scale crackdown on Tuesday morning, with police executing approximately 30 search warrants across Whanganui, Auckland, Palmerston North, and Hastings. The operation was supported by the Armed Offenders Squad and the Special Tactics Group, highlighting the seriousness of the charges involved.

Among those arrested are the chapter’s president, vice-president, and sergeant at arms. These individuals face a range of serious charges, including importing cocaine and methamphetamine, drug supply, and participating in an organized criminal group. The police operation has also led to the seizure of nearly $2.5 million in assets, including five firearms, 10 ounces of meth, a brick of cocaine, $7,000 cash, five motorcycles, seven vehicles, three properties, two jet skis, and approximately $108,000 cash.

Det. Inspector Craig Sheridan described the operation as a “significant blow” to the Hells Angels’ long-standing influence in Whanganui. He emphasized that the seized assets are believed to be the proceeds of crime and stated that police will continue to use all available tools to disrupt criminal organizations that profit from drug-related offenses and the harm caused by illicit drugs in the community.

Whanganui Area Commander Inspector Neil Forlong added that the arrests of senior gang members would have a major impact on the community. He noted that the gang has been part of the fabric of Whanganui for years, and the generational harm they have caused is significant. He also highlighted the importance of supporting affected families and mentioned that police will back initiatives, including a proposed meth harm reduction program led by local iwi.

Those arrested have already appeared or are scheduled to appear in courts across Whanganui, Palmerston North, Hastings, and Tāmaki Makaurau. Police have not ruled out further arrests in the coming weeks.