OFCANZ bust NZ Rebels again

The Rebels have been hit again. OFCANZ in conjunction with district police have mounted raids on members in Northland and Taranaki with every known Taranaki member arrested. This stuff link has a video of an announcement from Police here.


Names of those arrested and charged with offences so far

Nathan James Couper, in his 30s: participating in a criminal group with two others, conspiring to supply cocaine, conspiring with seven others to supply methamphetamine, cultivating cannabis, conspiring with nine others to supply ecstasy (MDMA), and stealing electricity worth between $500 and $1000 from Powerco. Remanded in custody by consent until Thursday.

A manager in his 30s, interim name suppression: participating in a criminal gang, cultivating cannabis, theft of electricity. In custody by consent.

Dallas Francis Hikaka, 41, a nurse: participating in a criminal gang, conspiring to supply methamphetamine, cultivating cannabis. Remanded in custody by consent to Thursday.

Michael George Green, 38, process operator: conspiring to supply methamphetamine and ecstasy. Remanded on bail to September 15.

Ryan Blackburn, 24, labourer: conspiring to supply methamphetamine and ecstasy. Released on curfew to September 15.

Atamu Lee Manuel, 23, Crave Club DJ: conspiring to supply ecstasy. Remanded on bail to September 15.

Nateesha Angelica Moke, 23, unemployed: conspired to supply ecstasy and methamphetamine. Remanded on bail to September 15.

Three members of an Australian chapter were among 10 people arrested by armed police raids in New Plymouth. Police then went on to say “Garry Anthony Dewar, 39, a network operator for New Plymouth-based electricity lines company Powerco, is the Taranaki Rebels' president.”

Also reported through various news websites or feeds a high ranking Rebel gang member in Northland was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm

The operation is the second crackdown on the gang. The first operation was in February and resulted in more than 30 arrests across five North Island districts. A police spokeswoman said they knew of about 70 patched members throughout the country.

One interesting report that came from TVNZ was”Police also revealed that a live snake was found during an earlier crackdown on the outlaw bikie gang in February. Police said a snake was located at an address in Feilding, and detectives believe the Rebels smuggled it into New Zealand.”TVNZ This highlights the international link with this gang a vast majority of New Zealand based gangs don’t have this element or connection. OFCANZ and police have also through the media have given a message to recruits or prospective members they pledge their zero tolerance and future undivided attention. After this latest series of busts they appear to be determined to do their best to stamp the Rebels out.