Firearms

The National Organised Crime Group Investigation named Operation Samson investigated a number of residential and commercial properties across Auckland linked to the New Zealand chapter of the Hells Angels.

A 30-year-old Hells Angel member was charged with money laundering and has appeared in the Auckland District Court.

Detective inspector Albie Alexander said this type of offending undermines the well-being of communities.

He said the investigation would continue to target those who accumulated assets and wealth through illegal means.

During the operation yesterday, Police seized 4 utensils, cash totalling SAT$5000.00, 2 firearms (22 & 42 live) 22 bullets and 57grams of marijuana leaves.

Other items confiscated included 4 sildenafils 100mg per tab (viagra), 1 electronic scale,  fake plate numbers (Regulate, 2PAC) , 4 flash drives and 3 hard drives.

Police said the two individuals are in their custody awaiting remand.

Photo supplied SPPS  Caption: Some of the items seized during a Police raid at Faatoia. 

The Samoa Observer newspaper reported Justice Vui made the comment during the sentencing of Pitoitua Aloese on multiple narcotics and firearms charges.

He pleaded guilty to the charges that stemmed from an unexpected raid at Fa'atoia in December 2019 while four co-defendants pleaded not guilty.

Aloese later became a witness for the prosecution against his co-defendants who all denied the charges but have since been found guilty.

On the firearms, Justice Vui said the modified gun could cause as much damage as a .22 rifle because of its short barrel.