Twenty-four arrests, drugs, guns and cash seized in year long police operation across North Island

A year long police operation has seen 24 people arrested and drugs, guns and over $2mworth of assets and cash seized.

Beginning in 2025, Operation Texas sparked 42 search warrants across Waikato and Tāmaki Makaurau.

Detective Inspector Albie Alexander said arrests included members of the Comanchero and Mongol motorcycle clubs and the Mongrel Mob.

"Police made an initial arrest in July 2025, and following further investigation, Operation Texas was carried out in multiple phases between March and June 2026," Alexander said.

He said 134 kg of pseudoephedrine was intercepted at customs while another 2.5 kg of methampetamine and 500 grams of cocaine were also seized.

Police also restrained assets as suspected proceeds of crime under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009 including two residential dwellings, motor vehicles, and a motorcycle, worth up to $1.95 million in total.

Those arrested were facing charges of importation of methamphetamine and pseudoephedrine, possession of cocaine and methamphetamine for supply, possession of firearms, money laundering and participating in an organised criminal group.

Acting Waikato Crime Manager Detective Inspector Stephen Ambler said members of the Waikato National Organised Crime Group had worked the operation for the past year.

"Our NOCG teams are dedicated to targeting those people that cause the most harm in our communities through the sale of illegal drugs and this operation was well supported by our Waikato District Team.

"We're proud to have contributed to this outcome, significantly reducing the negative effects of drugs to our local communities," Ambler said.