Comancheros Members Sentenced for Drug Courier Roles

Key Takeaways

• The Christchurch chapter of the Comancheros gang was a priority target of the National Organised Crime Group (NOCG) in early 2024.
• Two men, Dementry Higgins and Kadyn Wikaira, admitted to participating in the gang’s activities, including supplying methamphetamine and transporting large amounts of cash and drugs.
• Higgins was sentenced to three years and two months in jail, while Wikaira was sentenced to nine months of home detention.
• The judge emphasized the harm caused by the gang’s activities and encouraged the men to reflect on their involvement and consider the consequences of their actions.

Introduction to the Comancheros Gang
The Comancheros gang has been a significant concern for law enforcement in New Zealand, with the Christchurch chapter being a particular priority target of the National Organised Crime Group (NOCG) in early 2024. The gang’s activities have spread across the country, causing harm and misery to many individuals and communities. In a recent court case, two men, Dementry Higgins and Kadyn Wikaira, admitted to participating in the gang’s activities, including supplying methamphetamine and transporting large amounts of cash and drugs.

Dementry Higgins’ Involvement
Dementry Higgins, who was 20 years old at the time of his involvement, admitted to taking part in the gang’s activities, including supplying methamphetamine and participating in an organised criminal group. He was accompanied by at least one gang member during the delivery of cash and drugs, and used his email address to book return flights from Christchurch to Auckland. Higgins assisted in the distribution of 1.5kg of methamphetamine and cocaine around Christchurch and Timaru, and his motivation was primarily financial. Justice Cameron Mander stated that Higgins had some knowledge of the enterprise and joined for financial reward. The judge sentenced Higgins to three years and two months in jail, cautioning him that if he wanted to peddle harm and misery, he would find himself back in court.

Kadyn Wikaira’s Involvement
Kadyn Wikaira, who was 18 years old at the time of his involvement, also admitted to participating in the gang’s activities, although his involvement was described as being at the lower end of the scale. He was a drug supplier working under senior members and helped transport 18 ounces (510g) of methamphetamine from Christchurch to Dunedin, collecting $65,000 which he took back to Christchurch. Justice Mander stated that Wikaira contributed to the group and benefited from it, but took no responsibility for his involvement. The judge sentenced Wikaira to nine months of home detention, emphasizing that those who peddle such drugs effectively trade on others’ misery and encouraging Wikaira to reflect on his involvement.

Consequences and Reflection
The court case highlights the harm caused by the Comancheros gang’s activities and the consequences of involvement in such groups. Justice Mander’s comments emphasize the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions and considering the impact on others. The sentences handed down to Higgins and Wikaira serve as a warning to others who may be involved in similar activities. The case also underscores the need for continued efforts by law enforcement to disrupt and dismantle organized crime groups, such as the Comancheros, and to hold those involved accountable for their actions.

The Importance of Accountability
The Comancheros gang’s activities have significant consequences for individuals and communities, and it is essential that those involved are held accountable for their actions. The court case demonstrates the importance of taking responsibility for one’s involvement in such groups and considering the harm caused to others. The sentences handed down to Higgins and Wikaira serve as a reminder that involvement in organized crime groups can have serious consequences, and it is crucial that individuals reflect on their actions and consider the impact on others. The case also highlights the need for continued efforts by law enforcement to disrupt and dismantle organized crime groups, such as the Comancheros, and to hold those involved accountable for their actions.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the Comancheros gang’s activities have caused significant harm and misery to many individuals and communities in New Zealand. The court case involving Dementry Higgins and Kadyn Wikaira highlights the importance of holding those involved in organized crime groups accountable for their actions. The sentences handed down to the two men serve as a warning to others who may be involved in similar activities, and emphasize the need for continued efforts by law enforcement to disrupt and dismantle organized crime groups. The case also underscores the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions and considering the impact on others, and serves as a reminder that involvement in organized crime groups can have serious consequences.