Patched Head Hunters and gang associates in court after armed raids across Christchurch

The Head Hunters gang pad in Christchurch. Supplied: NZ Police

Patched members and associates of the Head Hunters gang arrested in a series of armed raids across Christchurch this morning have appeared in court.

After a four-month police probe, search warrants were carried out on a number of properties today, including the gang's alleged headquarters at Vickerys Rd in the Sockburn area of the city.

Several members and associates of gang members have been arrested and charged with offences ranging from participation in an organised crime group to supplying the Class A controlled drug methamphetamine.

Three men appeared from custody at Christchurch District Court this afternoon.

Judge Paul Kellar granted them all interim name suppression after lawyers argued that it was required at this early stage to preserve fair trial rights.

The men will be back in court later this month.

"This action is a clear signal to the gang and organised crime in general that the police will take action to dismantle and disrupt gang crime and the impact of drug dealing in our communities," Detective Inspector Darryl Sweeney said.

"Violent crimes are a common feature of the methamphetamine supply chain, and the drug itself is linked to further criminal activity and social harm.

"Methamphetamine abuse and addiction has devastating effects for all those involved and we're reaching out to anyone we believe may have been affected by this supply to provide advice and referrals to the right support networks."

The Head Hunters gang has been attempting to secure a presence in Christchurch for the past three years.

Sweeney today vowed today's crackdown "won't be the last of such action across a number of gangs in the city".

This year, the Canterbury Offender Taskforce has taken a strong line on targeting gang criminals and clearing harmful substances out of our community, police said.

"More than 135 firearms, significant amounts of methamphetamine, cannabis and synthetic drugs have been seized by the offender taskforce this year, totalling millions of dollars," Sweeney said.

"Anyone who is struggling with methamphetamine themselves, or who knows someone who is, is encouraged to seek help."

For anonymous help, the alcohol and drug helpline can be reached on 0800 787 797.
Christchurch Police can be reached on 03 363 7400 or information may be shared anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.