Five more gang members and associates have been arrested this week and charged with multiple offences in what police describe as a major organised crime operation.
The five alleged offenders, aged between 29 and 60, were taken into custody on Thursday after officers executed search warrants in Christchurch and Tasman as part of the operation dubbed 'Bear', Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Dye said.
"Operation Bear has targeted those in leadership positions within the Killer Beez and the gang's involvement in sale and supply of methamphetamine.
"In total, 12 gang members have now been brought before the court."
Det Snr Sgt Dye said another four search warrants were executed in the operation this week - three in Tasman and one in Christchurch.
He said two, one of whom was a Killer Beez 'Southern Swarm' gang member, were arrested on Thursday during the Christchurch search warrant.
"During the search an indoor cannabis growing operation was located and 61 plants were seized along with $5000 cash and a taser," Det Snr Sgt Dye said.
"A 30-year-old man is facing charges in relation to being part of an organised criminal group, along with drugs and unlawful possession of an offensive weapon charges and is due to reappear In the Christchurch District Court Friday, December 22."
Det Snr Sgt Dye, of the Tasman organised crime unit, said a 31-year-old woman was also charged with cultivating cannabis.
On the same day, he said three Killer Beez associates were arrested during search warrants in Tasman.
"Two of those arrested were apprehended after being stopped in vehicles in Motueka and Blenheim.
"All three are alleged to have regularly purchased methamphetamine from the Killer Beez for on-supply in Nelson and Blenheim.
"They are facing charges of conspiracy to supply methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine for supply.
"Two Nelson-based men aged 41 and 60 are due to appear at the Nelson District Court today, Friday December 8 and a 29-year-old Blenheim man is due to appear in the Blenheim District Court today, Friday December 8."
As part of the operations, all legal options available were being used to investigate meth distribution, Det Snr Sgt Dye stressed.
"We work hard to disrupt any organised criminal group or gang who prey on the vulnerable in our community and profit from the sale of controlled drugs," he said.
"We are committed to holding to account those who bring harm to the community through the supply of methamphetamine and we need the help of our community to do so."
