infonews.co.nz
INDEX
CRIME

Operation Explorer ongoing in Nelson today

Friday 11 March 2011, 3:41PM

By New Zealand Police

784 views

Armed Offenders at gang pad after this morning's raid.
Armed Offenders at gang pad after this morning's raid. Credit: New Zealand Police
Police use digger to gain entry into Red Devils HQ.
Police use digger to gain entry into Red Devils HQ. Credit: New Zealand Police
Defense Force Hercules brings over 90 staff into Nelson for Operation Explorer early this morning.
Defense Force Hercules brings over 90 staff into Nelson for Operation Explorer early this morning. Credit: New Zealand Police
Specialist Search Groups assisted in today's warrants.
Specialist Search Groups assisted in today's warrants. Credit: New Zealand Police
Police sift through rubbish as part of search warrant on a Mapua property today.
Police sift through rubbish as part of search warrant on a Mapua property today. Credit: New Zealand Police

TASMAN

Police in Nelson have completed 20 search warrants on properties in the top of the South Island this morning, including the headquarters of the Red Devils gang.

Fifteen people have been arrested, and Police expect this number to rise throughout the day.

As part of the operation two properties were also raided in Auckland, including the headquarters of the Hells Angels in Mt Eden.

Operation Explorer has been running for over 18 months and has included one of the deepest gang infiltrations in the history of the Police Under Cover Programme.

Over 240 staff are involved in the termination of the operation today.

Activities are being carried out by Specialist Tactic Groups, Specialist Search teams, OFCANZ staff, Armed Offenders Squad members from around the country, the NZDF bomb squad, dog teams from Police and Customs as well as numerous general duty staff.

Tasman Police District Commander, Superintendent Gary Knowles will be at the Red Devils Headquarters, 14 Natalie Street, Nelson at 2pm and will be available to speak with media.

Following this there will be a full media briefing at Tasman District Police Headquarters, 3rd floor Monro Building, Bridge St, Nelson at 3pm. Media will be able to view exhibits at this briefing.

Deputy Commissioner Rob Pope and Director of OFCANZ, Assistant Commissioner Malcolm Burgess will be in attendance.