A former Serco prison guard is among those police are investigating following a massive sting targeting the Head Hunters gang.
Two inmates of Mt Eden Prison were also arrested this morning, with allegations they were running a methamphetamine ring from behind bars.
In total, 10 people were detained in the operation targeting criminal activities of the gang, specifically its methamphetamine operation in the upper half of the North Island.
This morning's search warrants also involved an investigation into the alleged supply of contraband such as tobacco and cellphones to Head Hunter-affiliated and other prisoners at Mt Eden Prison. Police are speaking with two men and one woman in relation to these enquiries.
Corrections Minister Sam Lotu-Iiga says the development was "disappointing" and will be included in the review of the Serco-run prison already underway.
"We don't know [if it is more widespread] but what we do know is if there are any allegations, any arrests it will form part of the review.
"Prisoners are always trying it on with authorities, but what we know is that the review that's currently underway will take that into account."
Labour's corrections spokesman Kelvin Davis says he's not surprised by any of the allegations coming out of Mt Eden prison anymore and this should be the "final straw".
Including things in the review was National's fall-back line, he says.
More than 180 officers raided more than 30 properties across Auckland, as well as in parts of the Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Northland.
The Head Hunters' high-profile quarters in Marua Rd, Ellerslie was also hit, police said in a statement.
Members of the armed offenders squad were involved in some raids as a precaution, says Detective Inspector Bruce Good.
Nine men and one woman have been detained and will be charged with a range of serious offences including manufacturing methamphetamine, supplying methamphetamine, possession of precursor substances, possession for supply of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of firearms, unlawful possession of a pistol, unlawful possession of ammunition, participating in an organised crime group, money laundering, possession for supply of a class C controlled drug, supplying a class C controlled drug, supplying the pseudoephedrine ContacNT.
The majority of those arrested will appear in the Auckland District Court this afternoon.
Police have also carried out search warrants in west Auckland, Tauranga and Hulty in relation to fraudulent car and motorbike licences, issued to Head Hunters members and associated by three NZTA-certified driver testing companies.
"Today's raids are the termination phase of Operation Sylvester, a police investigation into the criminal activities of the Head Hunters gang, including the alleged large-scale production and supply of methamphetamine by a syndicate of members and affiliates," Det Insp Good said in a statement.
"Sadly, the demand for methamphetamine in this country remains strong.
"There is no sector of our society that is not affected in some way by it.
"The reality here is that the Head Hunters have significant influence over the methamphetamine market in New Zealand and that, in turn, is a key driver of crime."
Police have also seized at least 16 cars, including a 1958 Ford Fairlane and a 1964 Ford Thunderbird, located in a panel shop on Marua Rd in Ellerslie, among other assets incluiding machinery, bank accounts and property, totalling around $4 million.
Det Insp Good says the investigation into the Head Hunters' activity has been ongoing for several months.
"We know from experience that where there is methamphetamine, there are often firearms," he says. "To ensure the safety of not only the public but also that of our own staff, extensive planning has gone into today's operation."
Det Insp Good says a storage facility in Mt Wellington was searched as part of the same investigation several weeks ago. A Toyota Hiace van containing a substantial quantity of methamphetamine and ingredients to make more was found inside, along with four high-powered rifles, a revolver and a large amount of ammunition.
"I know that it might have been quite alarming for any members of the public who saw armed police this morning, but we can't take any chances," Det Insp Good says.
Police Minister Michael Woodhouse hoped today's raid would make a significant dent in organised crime in New Zealand.
"They are a scourge, all gangs that act outside the law and think they can do so with impunity need to know police and the Government will take this very seriously."
He hadn't been briefed on the two Head Hunters members in prison, but wasn't surprised people in jail had gang connections.
Police are expected to release more information later this afternoon.
3 News / RadioLIVE
