New Zealand

Police seize Harley-Davidsons, vehicles and cash in Auckland raids

11:04 am on 12 September 2022

Police have seized a dozen high-specification Harley-Davidson motorcycles, 16 other vehicles and more than $400,000 in cash in raids in Auckland.

Some of the motorcycles and other vehicles seized in an Operation Samson investigation. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police

One person has been charged with significant drug dealing and importation offences, police said.

The haul is part of the Operation Samson investigation of people and entities connected to the West Auckland Nomads Chapter of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club.

In July, more than $2.4 million in cash, a firearm, methamphetamine and cannabis, were seized in raids across Auckland as part of the operation.

Police allege those involved have ties to a sophisticated money laundering operation across Tāmaki Makaurau.

In total, more than $6m worth of property, assets and cash has been restrained so far.

Northern Asset Recovery Unit Detective Senior Sergeant Eddie Evans said this continued work, in conjunction with Operation Cobalt, to shed light on the activities of a trans-national organised crime group operating in New Zealand.

"Police are committed to holding those who accumulate assets and wealth through illegal means to account.

"This is a significant restraint of millions of dollars' worth of vehicles, property and cash which highlights the ongoing work by police to disrupt and dismantle this type of damaging offending in our country."

They are not ruling out further arrests and charges.