Cops keep eye on gang gathering in Christchurch

Police are closely monitoring a national gathering of notorious bikie gang, the Comancheros, in Christchurch.

Yesterday, Canterbury district prevention manager Inspector Ash Tabb told Stuff police were closely monitoring the event, and would take a “hard-line approach” to any “errant behaviour”.

Police had set up a checkpoint and were stopping vehicles coming and going from the gang’s headquarters in Thackers Quay, Woolston, Tabb said

“Enforcement action” had been taken against some Comanchero members, but he was unable to provide any specifics until later.

Tabb said more than 20 motorcycles and other vehicles were thought to involved in the event.

North Island-based Comanchero members have ridden into Christchurch over the past few days. Stuff understands the gang’s national commander is among them.

Comanchero patches were rarely seen in Christchurch until last year when the gang patched over most of the South Island chapter of the Rebels MC and took over its headquarters at Thackers Quay.

In February, six of the Comanchero motorcycle gang’s distinctive Harley-Davidson motorbikes were turned into scrap metal in a first of its kind court order.

The bikes were seized in April 2019 as part of major organised crime operation Operation Nova.

The gold-plated Harley Davidson motorcycles, along with numerous personalised plates, were estimated to be worth $96,000.

A further $2.6 million of assets, excluding the motorcycles, were seized from the gang as part of Operation Nova.

Other assets seized include $402,360 in cash, four Range Rover Sports, one RollsRoyce Wraith, high-end Mercedes-Benz and Audi vehicles, designer products and jewellery and property in Auckland.

The operation also saw 18 people charged with a range of serious offences, including importing methamphetamine, possession of cocaine for supply, money laundering and unlawful possession of firearms.