Major drug bust in Auckland: Police dismantle major drug operations in Kumeū region

New Zealand Police have dismantled multiple illicit drug operations in the Kumeū area of northwest Auckland, seizing nearly 400 kilograms of cannabis and 40 grams of cocaine, and arresting three individuals.

Waitematā North area inspector Mike Rickards said local police have been targeting large cannabis operations run by Vietnamese organised criminal groups around the Kumeū area.

Police uncovered a sophisticated cultivation setup containing 931 cannabis plants weighing approximately 237 kilograms. A nearby address yielded an additional 130 plants, totaling around 155 kilograms.


Authorities also confiscated a substantial amount of cash and high-end equipment used in cannabis production. Two Vietnamese nationals, a 27-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man, were arrested and have been remanded in custody on drug-related charges.

In a separate operation on May 16, the Waitematā Gang Disruption Unit and Offender Prevention Team arrested a 36-year-old man associated with the Head Hunters motorcycle gang. The suspect attempted to dispose of illicit substances during the search. Police recovered 30 grams of cocaine and additional cannabis at the scene. The individual faces charges of possession for supply of cocaine and cannabis.

Inspector Mike Rickards, Waitematā North Area Commander, emphasized the impact of these operations: "Our team’s operations over the past week have in no doubt disrupted the illegal operation and prevented harm in our community. It will have had an impact on drug distribution across the Rodney area. We’re really clear that we won’t tolerate this in our community, and we’ll continue to target these groups who are cashing in on their offending."

New Zealand’s recent crackdown on drug peddlers

New Zealand's intensified crackdown on drug trafficking has led to significant arrests and seizures nationwide.

A multi-agency investigation led to the arrest of 10 individuals and the seizure of over 6,800 cannabis plants in Auckland in December 2023, with several Vietnamese nationals facing deportation.

Additionally, in 2022, the Head Hunters were implicated in a significant methamphetamine operation, resulting in multiple arrests and the seizure of drugs and firearms.

The Head Hunters Motorcycle Club, established in Auckland in 1967, has a long-standing history of involvement in organized crime, including drug trafficking and money laundering. The gang maintains a national presence and has been linked to various criminal activities over the decades.