The Comancheros motorcycle gang’s headquarters in Christchurch before and after signage was removed.
Photo: RNZ

The badge at the Comancheros motorcycle gang headquarters in Christchurch is no longer displayed.

The decision to remove the gang from office comes after police confirmed they had arrested all members of the Christchurch gang in a major drugs bust last week.

The eight-month investigation, known as Operation Avon, saw the seizure of 5kg of Class A drugs, 11 firearms, ammunition and about $250,000 in cash last Wednesday after about 70 arrest warrants were executed in Christchurch and Auckland.

Eleven vehicles and property in Auckland worth a combined $1.9 million were also seized.

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While it is unclear when the signage was removed, when RNZ visited the gang’s Christchurch headquarters on Thursday, the gang symbol was no longer visible on the front of the building.

Police have been contacted for comment.

Eighteen men aged between 18 and 55 were arrested and later appeared in court in Christchurch and Auckland.

Twelve members of the group were in Christchurch, while the remaining six were in Auckland.

The charges included participating in an organised criminal group, conspiracy to supply methamphetamine and conspiracy to supply cocaine. Further charges of money laundering and drug trafficking were being considered.

Police said methamphetamine and cocaine were involved in the drug bust.

“These groups have no qualms about dealing drugs and amassing vehicles and property, with no regard for the destruction they cause to the daily lives of New Zealanders.

“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 say members of the Comancheros tribe organised a drug and money smuggling operation between Auckland and Christchurch every few weeks.

Detective Inspector Darrin Thomson said police believed $15 million worth of drugs were being moved between the North and South Islands.

“Our investigation showed that four kilograms per fortnight were being brought from the North Island to the South Island, which gives us an idea of ​​the street value of $1.4 million per fortnight,” Mr Thomson said.

“The prosecution will allege that this group is responsible for supplying over 60 kilograms of Class A drugs during the investigation phase… that’s over two million doses of these Class A drugs in our community and it’s just appalling.

“Operation Avon aims to bring those responsible to justice after a thorough investigation and coordinated response.

“What is crucial is that the arrest of every member of the squad will put an end to their unwanted presence in our Christchurch community.”

The Comancheros were formed in Scotland by biker William George “Jock” Ross, who named them after the 1961 John Wayne Western, and brought the band to Sydney when he emigrated in 1968.

Initially involved in the importation of amphetamines, the gang soon branched out into cocaine smuggling and had links with Middle Eastern crime groups operating in south-eastern Sydney.

In recent years the gang has been involved in a series of brawls, skirmishes and killings in Sydney’s underworld, leaving 18 people dead – some in broad daylight.