Mongrel Mob boss Mathew Karetu on the run before sentencing for drug and firearms charges

• Mongrel Mob boss Mathew Phillip Karetu is on the run while awaiting sentencing for methamphetamine dealing.
• Police are seeking information on Karetu’s whereabouts, warning the public not to approach him.
• Karetu pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including supplying meth and unlawful possession of a pistol.

A Mongrel Mob boss on bail while awaiting sentencing for dealing meth has gone on the run.

Police say they are appealing for information on the location of Mathew Phillip Karetu, 38, who is the subject of an arrest warrant.

Karetu is thought to be in the Counties Manukau and Eastern districts, and may be travelling between the two, police say.

“Anyone with information is urged not to approach him and instead call 111 immediately and quote file number 241216/5820,” said a police statement.

Have you seen Mathew? Police are appealing for information on the whereabouts of Mathew Karetu, 38, who has a Warrant...

Posted by Counties Manukau Police on Thursday 9 January 2025

Karetu was arrested in March after the covert investigation Operation Yellowstone targeted an Auckland businessman selling commercial quantities of methamphetamine.

Karetu, who was living in Tauranga at the time, was one of his customers. A police search of his home uncovered a 9mm semi-automatic pistol, a cash counting machine, and $68,100 inside a Louis Vuitton handbag.

Encrypted messages showed Karetu purchased 1kg of meth for $140,000 at one meeting.

As the national president of the Mongrel Mob Barbarians, Karetu used his status and criminal connections to distribute the drug around the North Island.

• For the full story on Karetu’s drug dealing, click here

Karetu pleaded guilty to offering to supply, supplying, and possession of a Class-A drug for supply, unlawful possession of a pistol, and possession and supply of synthetic cannabis.

He was due to be sentenced in the Manukau District Court next month.

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