Police in Christchurch and Auckland arrested and charged five members of the Rebels Motorcycle Club on Wednesday after a 10-month investigation.
The men face more than 25 charges between them, including participation in an organised crime group, possession for supply of methamphetamine, and cannabis and firearms charges.
"The arrests today send a clear message to the Rebels from police that we will not tolerate their criminal behaviour in Canterbury," says Detective Senior Sergeant Jason Stewart.
"The type of social harm caused by these organisations cannot be underestimated and police will continue work to disrupt and dismantle their criminal activities."
Multiple firearms were recovered during the course of the investigation, along with methamphetamine and cannabis.
"The supply of drugs is a major driver of other crimes such as burglary, assault and theft by people who are trying to finance their drug use," Det Dnr Sgt Stewart says.
"Police are seeing these people resort to crimes, particularly violent crimes, to finance their drug use. Where we can, we do make referrals to other agencies to assist families exposed to drug abuse and family harm."
The men will appear in Christchurch and Auckland District Courts on Thursday.
Newshub.
