Explosives seized in gang raids

Police use a digger to smash into the Red Devils HQ in Nelson. Photo / Supplied

Police infiltrated the highest levels of the Hells Angels motorcycle gang in an undercover operation that culminated in mass raids, nearly 30 arrests and the seizure of weapons and explosives today.

Operation Explorer was dubbed one of the "deepest gang infiltrations" in the history of New Zealand policing.

It involved officers gaining gang membership and providing information about the offending, intentions and activities of both the Hells Angels and their "puppet gang" the Red Devils over many months.

That work ended today with police raiding 31 properties South Island properties along with the Hells Angels headquarters in the Auckland suburb of Mt Eden.

Twenty-eight people were arrested and now face charges ranging from dealing class A, B and C drugs to being a member of an organised crime group.

Bomb-making materials, two pipe bombs, eleven motorbikes and a range of firearms including rifles, shotguns and pistols were seized.

A bulldozer was used to smash through the entrance of the Red Devils gang headquarters in Nelson in one of raids.

Tasman Police District superintendent Gary Knowles said the recovery of explosives was particularly concerning.

"This is a real concern and highlights the fact that the stakes have been raised in terms of public safety. Explosive devices are only made with the intention of killing or causing serious damage to life and property."

Mr Knowles said police had maintained the Red Devils were a puppet gang for the Hells Angels and involved in organised crime since they moved to Nelson two years ago.

"The fact they are now manufacturing explosive devices to be used against members of the public underpins the danger these criminals pose to this community.

"These gangs are not a bunch of good old boys with bikes, they are organised, criminals and they are not welcome in this community."

Operation Explorer saw police infiltrate Hells Angels' gang members homes and businesses in Auckland and Whanganui over 18 months.

One officer became a Hells Angels member, gaining free access to its headquarters and attending secret meetings.

Police deputy commissioner Rob Pope said the information that officer gathered enabled Police to establish the level of control the Hells Angels had over the formation of the Red Devils in Nelson.

He praised the work of the 240 police, Defence Force and New Zealand Customs staff involved in the build up and execution of the operation.

"Those involved in this operation have conducted their duties to the very highest standard," he said.

"Without their total dedication, infiltrations to the extent achieved could never have happened. The police have done the community a great service in exposing these criminals."

Police minister Judith Collins said the operation had exposed the Red Devils as a dangerous gang and dealt a serious blow to the Hells Angels.

"This gang has described itself as a social club, but police investigations revealed they were involved in serious criminal activity," she said. "Law-abiding social clubs don't have bomb-making equipment, illegal drugs or firearms.

"I'm confident today's arrests will send a strong message to criminal gangs that the Government and police will use every tool at their disposal to close them down."