Key Takeaways
- A major methamphetamine and cocaine supply network was busted in Christchurch, New Zealand, with 11 members and associates of the Tribesmen Motorcycle gang convicted and sentenced.
- The operation, known as Operation Italian Sky, was led by Ricky Poa, who sourced significant quantities of drugs from organized crime groups in Auckland and elsewhere.
- The gang exploited weaknesses in regional airport security to transport large quantities of drugs without detection.
- The network was estimated to have distributed at least 55kg of methamphetamine and 15kg of cocaine, with a total of $497,000 cash seized during the investigation.
- The gang members lived affluent lifestyles, with some driving high-end vehicles and taking overseas holidays, despite having no legitimate source of income.
Introduction to the Operation
Behind the wealth and luxury of the Tribesmen Motorcycle gang members was a weakness in regional airport security that allowed their operation to flourish. The gang, led by Ricky Poa, exploited this weakness to transport large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine from Auckland to Christchurch without detection. The drugs were then distributed to street-level dealers, generating significant profits for the gang. Poa, who was known as Sarge, Bigko, and Rick, was the principal offender, leader, and main financial beneficiary of the drug-dealing activity.
The Gang’s Structure and Operations
The Tribesmen Motorcycle gang has multiple chapters throughout New Zealand, with the South Island chapter being a key player in the methamphetamine and cocaine supply network. The gang’s structure is hierarchical, with senior members wearing patches that designate their standing and role within the gang. Patched members are senior and trusted members of the group, while associates and prospects are predominantly the workers who complete drug runs and sell drugs at the direction of patched members. The gang members who benefit the most from the profits derived from this activity are often senior patched members and members with leadership roles within the gang.
The Supply Chains
The gang operated two supply lines to transport methamphetamine and cocaine from Auckland to Christchurch. The first supply line was managed by the Erikson brothers, who received wholesale kilogram quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine from organized crime groups in Auckland. The drugs were then distributed to street-level dealers in Christchurch, with the cash proceeds collected and sent back to Auckland. The second supply line was operated using tow trucks from Blake Harpur’s business, with drivers meeting with unknown persons from organized crime groups to exchange cash for wholesale quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine.
The Investigation and Arrests
The investigation into the gang’s activities, known as Operation Italian Sky, was led by the South Island National Organised Crime Group. The team of 20 officers worked day and night to gather evidence and bring the gang members to justice. The operation resulted in the arrest of 11 members and associates of the Tribesmen Motorcycle gang, with all of them being convicted and sentenced. The investigation also seized a total of $497,000 cash and significant quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine.
The Sentences
The sentences handed down to the gang members were significant, with Ricky Poa receiving 7 years and 7 months’ imprisonment. Other senior members of the gang, including Michael Erikson, Andrew Smith, and Blake Harpur, received similar sentences. The sentences reflect the seriousness of the offenses and the harm caused by the gang’s activities.
The Impact of the Operation
The success of Operation Italian Sky has put a dent in the supply of methamphetamine and cocaine in the South Island, but Detective Senior Sergeant Phil Sparks warned that there is always a vacuum to be filled when a large syndicate is prosecuted. The investigation highlighted the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies to restrict or stop the supply of controlled drugs. The operation also highlighted the importance of addressing the weaknesses in regional airport security that allowed the gang to transport large quantities of drugs without detection.
The Tribesmen Motorcycle Gang
The Tribesmen Motorcycle Club was formed in tara, South Auckland, in the early 1980s and has since grown to have multiple chapters throughout New Zealand. The gang is recognized as an outlaw motorcycle gang, with senior members wearing patches that designate their standing and role within the gang. The gang’s activities are often associated with organized crime, including drug trafficking and violence. The investigation into the gang’s activities has shed light on the inner workings of the organization and the harm caused by their activities.