Gang arrests in Christchurch
Police have arrested every patched member of the Christchurch chapter of the Comancheros yesterday, in a significant operation targeting the gang.
Millions of dollars’ worth of illicit drugs have been seized as Police yesterday terminated about 70 warrants as part of the eight-month investigation, dubbed Operation Avon.
In total, 29 warrants were executed on addresses and more than 40 warrants executed on vehicles, predominately in the Christchurch area, with a handful in Auckland.
Approximately 5kg of class A drugs were seized, along with 11 firearms, ammunition, and about $250,000 cash.
Eighteen men aged between 18 and 55 were arrested and have been charged, including every patched Comancheros Christchurch member.
As part of enforcement activity Police have also restrained $1.9 million dollars of assets, consisting of an Auckland property and 11 vehicles.
The Christchurch chapter of the Comancheros became a priority target of the National Organised Crime Group (NOCG), supported by Canterbury Police, as their brazen alleged offending spread across New Zealand.
“Early on, our investigation identified significant drug offending involving the Class A controlled drugs methamphetamine and cocaine, and extensive money laundering,” says Detective Inspector Darrin Thomson.
“Class A drugs cause untold harm and misery in our communities and the impact on families is intolerable.
“These groups have no hesitation in peddling drugs and accumulating vehicles and property, with no regard for the destruction they cause in everyday New Zealanders’ lives.
“We have no doubt that this disruption of the Comanchero gang will have a positive impact on the drug supply chain across the country.”
Police allege the gang organised for drugs and cash to be relayed between Auckland and Christchurch every few weeks.
Detective Inspector Thomson said over a million dollars’ worth of drugs at wholesale value were believed to have been moved between the North and South Island, which Police will allege at prosecution equates to more than $15 million street value.
The 18 men have made a first appearance at court in Christchurch and Auckland. Charges include participating in an organised criminal group, conspiracy to supply methamphetamine, and conspiracy to supply cocaine.
Further charges, including money laundering and drug dealing charges, are being considered ahead of future appearances.
“NZ Police is committed to putting an end to the harm organised criminal groups perpetuate across New Zealand,” says Detective Inspector Thomson.
“Operation Avon is holding those responsible to account following a meticulous investigation and coordinated response.
“Pivotally, arresting every member of the chapter will put an end to their unwanted presence in our Christchurch community.”
Older residents call for Amberley bus service
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A lack of public transport and access to healthcare were among the issues raised in recent a survey of older residents in the Hurunui district.
The Hurunui District Council surveyed residents aged over 60 during August and September, as it looks to develop an age-friendly community plan to support an ageing population.
There are currently no public bus services in Hurunui, which includes the town of Amberley, about 40km north of Christchurch.
Community development facilitator Vanessa Nelmes said public transport is a big issue for many elderly people, while accessing medical care when needed remains a concern.
While there are a number of community vehicle trusts operating in the district, respondents felt a regular bus service from Amberley to Rangiora and/or Christchurch is needed.
Hurunui mayor Marie Black has been among those advocating for a bus service, but for now Environment Canterbury says there are no plans to offer public transport in the district.
The distance to medical care in Christchurch and the lack of a dentist were also mentioned, Nelmes said.
The survey received 213 responses from residents aged from 60 to their 90s, with half coming from residents in the south ward, which includes Amberley.
Nelmes said the survey found a majority of the respondents felt confident using computers, internet and / or smart phones.
‘‘It kind of puts that myth to bed that old people don’t like using technology.
‘‘I think we really do need to change our mindset compared to what is really happening in our community.’’
Although about 50 respondents said they were not confident using technology, showing there was still a need for providing support.
The survey also asked if people would like to improve their skills with technology and it was ‘‘evenly split’’, Nelmes said.
A concerning trend in the survey was a number of respondents who said they felt socially isolated, especially those new to the community, she said.
‘‘We had half a dozen people who replied along the lines, ‘you have to put yourself out there, but it’s how to make the first step’.’’
The survey has been analysed by the age-friendly steering group, which plans to widen its membership to include different agencies such as district nursing and is seeking a rural voice, Nelmes said.
Council staff plan to do a stocktake of services available for senior citizens in the district, before beginning work on a draft age-friendly plan.
Environment Canterbury public transport strategy and planning manager Sonia Pollard said there are no plans to extend bus services into Amberley or the wider Hurunui district.
‘‘The focus for public transport improvements is on delivery of the core routes in Christchurch and the direct services between the main urban areas in Waimakariri and Selwyn districts and Christchurch City.
‘‘Service improvements are reliant on funding through local rates and the National Land Transport Programme.’’
She said routes outside large urban areas are unlikely to meet the funding criteria in the 2024/27 National Land Transport Programme.
But as part of the 2025/26 annual plan staff are considering how to best serve the rural community, including assessing new routes outside the Greater Christchurch boundary.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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