Source: New Zealand Police
In a year-long operation looking into illegal drugs run by organised crime, Waikato Police have made dozens of arrests across three gangs, taken drugs and guns off the streets and seized millions in assets.
Detective Inspector Albie Alexander of the National Organised Crime Group (NOCG) says Operation Texas was commenced in early 2025 looking into a widespread drug issue linked to the Waikato chapter of the Comanchero MC.
“Police made an initial arrest in July 2025, and following further investigation, Operation Texas was carried out in multiple phases between March and June 2026,” Detective Inspector Alexander says.
Forty-two search warrants were executed across various locations in Waikato and Tāmaki Makaurau, resulting in 24 people between the ages of 22 and 49 being arrested.
Police also seized a quantity of firearms including two shotguns, four rifles and a sawn-off .22 calibre rifle.
A further 2.5kg of methamphetamine, 500 grams of cocaine and over $100,000 in cash were also seized.
The 24 people are at various stages of the court process.
The arrests included Comanchero MC patched members, four nominees and six associates, as well as patched members of the Mongols MC and Mongrel Mob.
They face a range of charges including:
- importation of methamphetamine and pseudoephedrine
- possession and possession for supply of cocaine, methamphetamine and cocaine
- money laundering
- possession of firearms
- participating in an organised criminal group.
The operation brought together dozens of officers from multiple policing districts.
Acting Waikato Crime Manager Detective Inspector Stephen Ambler recognises the dedication and diligence of the Waikato NOCG team who worked on this operation for the past year.
“Our NOCG teams are dedicated to targeting those people that cause the most harm in our communities through the sale of illegal drugs and this operation was well supported by our Waikato District Team.
“We’re proud to have contributed to this outcome, significantly reducing the negative effects of drugs to our local communities,” Detective Inspector Ambler says.
The investigation included a border phase with New Zealand Customs who intercepted 134kg of pseudoephedrine. Police thank the support of Customs staff who aided in the investigation.
Police have also restrained assets as suspected proceeds of crime under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009. These include two residential dwellings, motor vehicles, and motorcycle, totalling NZ $1.95 million.
“We estimate removing the drugs may have prevented up to $2.8 million worth of social harm.
“New Zealand Police will continue to target those who illegally accumulate assets and wealth through the sale of illegal drugs,” Detective Inspector Alexander says.
“We will take every opportunity presented to prevent harm and intimidation caused by gangs.”
Anyone with information about those involved in the importation or distribution of harmful and illicit drugs or firearms are urged to make a report to Police.
Please use the 105 service online or over the phone.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/30/operation-texas-results-in-seized-drugs-guns-and-arrests/