KEY POINTS:
Police investigating the suspected murders of two well known criminals will begin a search today for one of the bodies.
Darrell James Crawford, 35, and William Taikato, 40, disappeared from Tauranga last year - one seven months ago and one in December - police believe they were both murdered and their deaths may be linked.
The men were both involved in the drug scene and Taikato had strong ties to gang members.
Detective Sergeant Darryl Brazier said today they had received information concerning the possible location of one of the men's bodies.
After assessing the information and consulting with other specialist police units, police would begin the search today, he said.
Mr Brazier said they would be searching for the body in a remote rural area at the end of Kaiawha Road, Oropi - about 30km from central Tauranga.
The area is close to where Crawford's vehicle was abandoned last year in August.
Mr Brazier said they had still not recovered the green coloured Holden Commodore vehicle, registration number UF9688, used by Taikato at the time of his disappearance.
This remained a focus for the investigation team, he said.
Anyone with information should call police on 0800 SPEAKUP or 07 577 4300.
- NZPA
